The Dome of the Rock, located on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, is one of the most iconic and significant religious sites in the world. Built in 691 AD during the Umayyad Caliphate, it is the oldest surviving Islamic monument and holds deep spiritual meaning for Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike. The shrine is believed to enshrine the rock from which the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven during the Night Journey, making it a revered site in Islamic tradition.

Beyond its religious significance, the Dome of the Rock is an architectural masterpiece. Its golden dome, intricate mosaics, and detailed calligraphy exemplify early Islamic artistry and have influenced Islamic architecture for centuries. The structure stands as a symbol of Jerusalem’s rich cultural and religious heritage.

As a place of pilgrimage and historical importance, the Dome of the Rock continues to attract visitors from around the world. It remains a powerful representation of faith and a focal point in the complex and layered history of Jerusalem.

The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem is one of the most iconic and architecturally significant monuments in Islamic history. Built in 691 AD during the Umayyad Caliphate under the rule of Caliph Abd al-Malik, it is the oldest surviving Islamic shrine and an outstanding example of early Islamic architecture. Situated on the Temple Mount, the structure enshrines the sacred rock from which, according to Islamic tradition, the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven during the Night Journey. Its architectural design reflects both Islamic artistic innovation and influences from earlier Byzantine structures.

The most striking feature of the Dome of the Rock is its large, gilded dome, which dominates Jerusalem’s skyline. Originally made of wood covered in lead, it was later gilded, giving it the radiant golden appearance seen today. The dome, approximately 20 meters in diameter, rests on an octagonal base and is supported by an inner circular arcade of columns and piers, forming a balanced and symmetrical structure. This layout is similar to Byzantine martyria, such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, reflecting a blend of Islamic and Christian architectural traditions.

The exterior of the Dome of the Rock has undergone several modifications over the centuries. While originally adorned with mosaics, the outer walls are now covered with exquisite 16th-century Iznik tiles added during the Ottoman period under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. These vibrant blue and turquoise tiles, inscribed with Arabic calligraphy and Quranic verses, enhance the shrine’s visual grandeur. The interior, however, retains its original Umayyad mosaics, featuring intricate geometric patterns, floral motifs, and inscriptions that celebrate the oneness of God and Islamic teachings.

The structure’s octagonal plan creates a sense of harmony and movement, guiding worshippers and visitors toward the sacred rock at its center. The use of alternating columns and arches, along with the intricate detailing of the interior mosaics, demonstrates the early Islamic architects’ mastery of space, proportion, and decoration. The combination of natural light filtering through windows and the shimmering surfaces of gold, marble, and mosaic creates a mesmerizing effect, emphasizing the shrine’s spiritual significance.

Despite numerous renovations, the Dome of the Rock has remained largely unchanged in its fundamental architectural form. It continues to be a symbol of Islamic heritage, a focal point of religious devotion, and an architectural masterpiece that bridges Islamic, Byzantine, and Persian artistic influences. As one of the most recognizable landmarks in Jerusalem, it stands as a testament to the artistic and spiritual aspirations of early Islamic civilization.