Environment

Change Over Time:

• The physical space hasn’t been changed drastically throughout the years although the space has been attacked a few times so there were a few repairs to the stained windows.

• Of course, since it has been there for so long, there have been changes to the exterior/interior such as switching the exterior mosaics into ceramic tiles to preserve the original structure. 

• The original dome collapsed in 1015 and was rebuilt in 1022–23.

• "The successive Islamic dynasties that ruled Jerusalem, including the Abbasids, the Fatimids, and the Ayyubids, each commissioned renovations of the structure and added their own inscriptions and ornamentations." (6)

  • • • • • The Ayyubids replaced the iron screen with a wooden screen

          • The exterior mosaics were replaced with colored ceramic tiles in the 16th century. 

          • Damaged interior and exterior ornaments were replaced on the initiative of the Hashemite royals in the 20th century.

          • The dome was also given a new gold covering in the 20th century.

• A change over time would be the ease of visiting. When visiting the Dome of the Rock back in 2009, it was easy to get into and there was security, but it was pretty minimal. I recently visited back in 2018 and it was a nightmare getting in. Packed with Israeli soldiers and only people who are allowed on that side are allowed into the Dome of the Rock. For example, U.S citizens who also have a Palestinian passport are not allowed to go to the Dome of the Rock and will need to find another way to get in.