caliph 'Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan constructed the Dome as a shrine for pilgrims. Although the structure of the shrine resembles traditional Byzantine architecture, its reconstruction in the 7th century shows the new wave of Islamic traditions. The construction of the dome was considered to be a late addition to Jerusalem's solemnity. This was due to various reasons such as Jerusalem's capture which led to the rise of Umayyad rule. In the 8th century, it was reported that the dome was built as a substitute for the Kaaba in an attempt to relocate the site of the hajj from Mecca. Others believe that the architecture and decorations correspond to Islamic byzantine beliefs about judgment day. It was captured by Christian Crusaders in 1099, where it was then given to the Augustinians, who used it as a church. They also made the Al-Aqsa Mosque into a stable. The Saladins later recaptured Jerusalem and once again made the Dome of the Rock Muslim. The cross on top of the dome was then replaced with a golden crescent. In 1517, the Dome of the Rock was renovated by Mahmud II, fixing multiple of the underlying issues. However, in 1927, an earthquake occurred right under the building, making multiple of the repairs from the renovation useless.
The outer wall has an outer wall in an octagonal shape that is covering an inner wall. It consists of a masonry and a wooden roof, with the interior of the building being decorated in stone tiles. The drum of the dome is the upright part of the building that raises the dome. The building has ceramic tile, along with git aluminum, to decorate the surface of the building.
Has significance across three religions
Talmud: Believed that God made the world from the rock inside the building
By: Autumn Carifee,