Great Mosque of Damascus

Definition

The Great Mosque of Damascus, also known as the Umayyad Mosque, is one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world, completed in 715 CE during the Umayyad Caliphate. It is a prime example of early Islamic architecture that integrates elements from late antique Roman and Byzantine styles, reflecting a seamless transition from earlier artistic traditions into the Islamic aesthetic.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Mosque of Damascus was built on the site of a Christian basilica dedicated to John the Baptist, showing a blend of religious histories.
2. It features a large courtyard surrounded by porticoes and a monumental prayer hall, which was typical in early Islamic mosque architecture.
3. The mosque is renowned for its stunning mosaics that depict lush gardens and cityscapes, integrating Byzantine artistic techniques.
4. Its minaret, known as the 'minaret of Jesus,' holds significance in Islamic tradition as it is believed that Jesus will return there on Judgment Day.
5. The mosque has undergone several renovations and restorations throughout its history, reflecting its continuous importance in Islamic culture and architecture.

Review Questions

• How does the Great Mosque of Damascus reflect late antique influences in its architectural design?
  • The Great Mosque of Damascus showcases late antique influences through its incorporation of classical Roman and Byzantine architectural elements. The use of a grand entrance with monumental arches and extensive mosaics are direct nods to these earlier styles. Additionally, the layout of the mosque, with its large courtyard and hypostyle prayer hall, mirrors the architectural forms prevalent in late antique religious structures.
• In what ways did the construction of the Great Mosque signify a shift in religious practices from Christianity to Islam in Damascus?
  • The construction of the Great Mosque marked a significant shift from Christian worship to Islamic practices in Damascus by repurposing an existing Christian basilica dedicated to John the Baptist. This transformation not only represented a physical change in religious architecture but also symbolized the broader cultural and political transition as Islam became dominant under the Umayyad Caliphate. The mosque's establishment helped to legitimize Islamic authority while simultaneously integrating local traditions.
• Evaluate the impact of artistic elements like mosaics found in the Great Mosque of Damascus on the development of Islamic art.
  • The mosaics in the Great Mosque of Damascus had a profound impact on the development of Islamic art by blending Byzantine techniques with new Islamic themes. These mosaics, which depict nature and urban life rather than human figures, established a precedent for later Islamic decorative arts that favored abstract patterns and calligraphy over representational imagery. This artistic direction influenced mosque design across the Muslim world, reinforcing a distinct Islamic aesthetic while honoring existing artistic traditions.

Related terms

Umayyad Caliphate:

The first major Islamic caliphate established after the death of Muhammad, known for its expansion and the promotion of arts and architecture during the 7th and 8th centuries.

Hypostyle Mosque: A mosque type characterized by a large, open hall supported by columns, which influenced the architectural design of many later mosques.

Mosaics: Artistic designs created by arranging small pieces of colored glass or stone, often seen in the decoration of early Islamic structures like the Great Mosque of Damascus.