Great Umayyad Mosque

The Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus, is one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world. It is located in the historical center of the Syrian city of Damascus and represents a huge historical and architectural value.

The Umayyad Mosque was built in the early eighth century on the site of the former Christian temple of John the Baptist. The mosque is named after Caliph Walid I of the Umayyad dynasty, who gave the order for construction. The best architects from Rome, Constantinople, Persia, India were invited to build the building. In architectural terms, the mosque resembles a Byzantine palace. It was built for more than ten years, gold, pearls, mother of pearl and marble were widely used in the decoration. The courtyard of the mosque is surrounded on all sides by an arched gallery, and the floor is paved with polished slabs.

For Muslims, the Umayyad mosque has the status of a cult shrine, religious pilgrimages are made to it. The mosque contains the head and relics of John the Baptist, who is revered as a great prophet in both Islam and Christianity. Also on the territory of the mosque is the tomb of Salah ad-Din, the famous Muslim sultan and religious leader.

The Umayyad Mosque is an amazing and elevated place where representatives of any religion are allowed. The beauty and scale of the building is breathtaking, and the mosque is a huge success with tourists.