Dome of the Rock

An octagonal base supports the structure with four entrances aligned to cardinal directions and exterior walls faced with white marble. Inside, arcades with slender columns and decorated capitals encircle the central rock. Walls and ceilings display Persian tiles, Byzantine mosaics, and Arabic inscriptions from the Quran. The gilded copper dome rises 69 feet (21 meters) above the rock and reaches a height of approximately 66 feet (20 meters). The outer drum carries glazed tiles with floral patterns and geometric designs in blue, green, and gold tones.

Caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan commissioned construction between 687 and 691 CE, making it among the oldest surviving Islamic structures. The project emerged during the Umayyad dynasty as a political and religious statement against Byzantine Christianity. During the Crusades from 1099 to 1187, the building served as a Christian church known as Templum Domini. Following reconquest by Saladin, it returned to Muslim use. Multiple renovations of exterior tiles and interior features occurred under Ottoman rule, while the 20th century brought comprehensive restoration campaigns to preserve the structure.

This sanctuary marks one of Islam's holiest places, where Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven during the Night Journey. Jews regard the rock as the Foundation Stone of the world and the location where Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son. Christians associate it with Old Testament accounts involving Abraham. These overlapping religious claims establish the compound as among the most revered destinations on Earth and a symbol of Jerusalem's status as a holy city to three major monotheistic religions, fueling ongoing religious and political discourse throughout the region.

Non-Muslim visitors may view the exterior Sunday through Thursday during designated morning hours from 7:30 to 10:30 AM and afternoon periods between 1:30 and 2:30 PM. Clothing must cover shoulders and knees. Access occurs through the Maghreb Gate on the western wall. Tourists cannot enter the interior spaces. Security checks take place at the Temple Mount entrance. Access for non-Muslims remains closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and during Islamic holidays. Photography is permitted from outside, and visitors should not bring religious items.

Archaeological investigations beneath the floor revealed a cave system known as Bir el-Arwah, traditionally believed to house souls of the dead. Seventh-century engineers employed a mathematical proportion called the Golden Ratio for the relationship between dome diameter and building height. The original lead weight of the dome was estimated at 450 tons before modern materials reduced stress on supporting columns. Scholars discovered that certain inscriptions deliberately deviate from chronological order to formulate theological arguments against Christian doctrines of the Trinity.

Location: Old City of Jerusalem

Inception: 691

Architectural style: Umayyad art

Made from material: marble, wood, aluminium, copper, nickel, gold leaf

Part of: Al-Aqsa

Address: Jerusalem

GPS coordinates: 31.77806,35.23528

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:36