Dome of the Rock
The Temple Mount has a long and complex history, spanning thousands of years and multiple civilizations, each leaving its mark on the site.
The Dome of the Rock is an Islamic shrine of immense religious, historical, and architectural significance, situated on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Completed in circa 691 CE under the patronage of the Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik, it is one of the oldest surviving Islamic structures in the world. The shrine is built over the Foundation Stone, a site of profound spiritual importance in Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. While not a mosque, it serves as a place of prayer and veneration, reflecting early Islamic artistic and theological expressions. Its striking golden dome and intricate decorations make it one of the most recognizable monuments in the world.
The structure embodies both religious symbolism and political significance. It was commissioned at a time when the Umayyads sought to consolidate their rule and affirm Islam’s spiritual heritage in Jerusalem, positioning it as a center of Islamic devotion alongside Mecca and Medina. The Dome of the Rock is often associated with the Islamic tradition of the Mi‘raj, the Prophet Muhammad’s night journey and ascension to heaven. It also occupies a site revered in Jewish tradition as the location of the First and Second Temples, making it a focal point of religious and historical discourse over centuries. Despite periods of neglect, modifications, and restorations, the monument has maintained its status as a masterpiece of early Islamic architecture and a symbol of Jerusalem’s contested yet rich heritage.
Golden Gate of the Temple Mount (left). al-Aqsa Mosque (right).
Situated within the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, also known as Al-Haram al-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary), the Dome of the Rock dominates the skyline of the Old City of Jerusalem. It is positioned on an elevated platform, aligning with earlier religious structures that once stood on the site. The Temple Mount has been a site of worship, destruction, and reconstruction for thousands of years, bearing significance in the traditions of the Abrahamic faiths. Throughout history, the site has been controlled by various ruling powers, including the Byzantines, the Umayyads, the Crusaders, the Mamluks, the Ottomans, and the modern custodians of Jerusalem. Today, it remains a central point in religious and political dynamics in the region.
The exterior of the Dome of the Rock is defined by its iconic golden dome, which rises approximately 20 meters above the octagonal base and has a diameter of over 20 meters. Originally covered in gold, the dome has undergone multiple restorations, including the application of gilded copper and later aluminum with gold leaf. The base of the structure is adorned with intricate tilework, introduced during the Ottoman period, replacing earlier mosaics. The outer walls feature detailed Arabic inscriptions, including Quranic verses that emphasize Islamic monotheism and the finality of the Prophet Muhammad’s message. The harmonious proportions of the structure reflect Byzantine and Sassanian influences, integrating classical and Islamic architectural elements.
The interior is equally impressive, featuring elaborate mosaics, marble columns, and calligraphic inscriptions. At the center lies the Foundation Stone, enclosed by a richly decorated ambulatory that allows pilgrims to circumambulate the sacred rock. The dome’s inner surface is adorned with gold and blue mosaics, depicting intricate vegetal and geometric patterns characteristic of early Islamic art. Quranic verses encircle the inner arcade, reinforcing the shrine’s theological significance. The structural layout, with its double-ambulatory plan, is reminiscent of Byzantine martyrium churches, adapted to an Islamic setting. The use of spolia—repurposed Roman and Byzantine columns—reflects both continuity and transformation in the architectural language of the early Islamic period.
Beyond its architectural splendor, the Dome of the Rock has played a pivotal role in historical and political contexts. It has survived earthquakes, conquests, and periods of restoration, each leaving an imprint on its design and function. During the Crusades, it was repurposed as a Christian church before being restored as an Islamic shrine by Salah al-Din in the 12th century CE. Under the Ottomans, significant renovations were carried out, including the famous Iznik tiles that now cover the exterior. In modern times, the shrine remains a deeply contested symbol, reflecting the broader struggles over Jerusalem. It continues to be a pilgrimage site for Muslims and an enduring emblem of Islamic heritage, while also being a focal point in interfaith and geopolitical discourse.
