Umayyad Mosque (Great Mosque of Damascus)
AbrahamicIslamicmosqueLevant705 CE - present
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Location
Modern Name
Damascus Old City
Country
Syria
Region
Levant
Coordinates
33.5117, 36.3069
Era
705 CE - present
Site Type
Mosque
About
One of the oldest and largest mosques in the world, built 705–715 CE by Umayyad Caliph al-Walid I on the site of a Byzantine cathedral dedicated to John the Baptist.
Significance
A masterpiece of early Islamic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; contains a shrine believed to hold the head of John the Baptist (Yahya ibn Zakariya), venerated by both Muslims and Christians.
History & Historical Arc
The site previously held a Roman temple to Jupiter, then a Byzantine cathedral; al-Walid demolished the church and built…
Archaeological Notes
Excavations beneath the mosque have revealed Roman temple foundations and Byzantine church remains; the Aramean temenos …
Key Features & Structures
- Shrine of John the Baptist
- Three minarets (Bride, Jesus, Qaitbay)
Visitor Information
Open to non-Muslim visitors outside prayer times; modest dress required. Located in Damascus Old City (UNESCO World Heri…
Related Figures
Al-Walid IJohn the Baptist (Yahya)Saladin
In the Bible
Bible Places
This location appears in the Bible as Damascus
View verse references, maps, and biblical history →
Source References
- Quran 19:12-15