Dome of the Rock

Plan and section dwg at 1:100 scale

The Dome of the Rock (Arabic: قبة الصخرة‎, Qubbat al-Ṣakhra; Hebrew: כיפת הסלע‎?, Kippat ha-Sel'a) located in Jerusalem is one of the most iconic and significant religious and architectural monuments in the world. Built between 688 and 691 AD under the Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik, the dome is an extraordinary example of Islamic architecture.

Architecture

The Dome of the Rock has an octagonal plan and a large golden dome that rises above it. The structure is decorated with mosaics and ornaments that recall Byzantine and Persian styles, with geometric and floral motifs. The central rock, visible inside, is considered sacred: for Muslims, it is the place from which Muhammad ascended to heaven, while for Jews it is traditionally identified as the site of the Holy of Holies of Solomon's Temple.

History

The site has a long history of religious significance. Before the dome was built, the Jewish Temple stood there, which was destroyed in 70 AD by the Romans. Over the centuries, the area has been contested by various religions and cultures.
After the Muslim conquest of Jerusalem, Abd al-Malik decided to build the dome to affirm the Islamic presence in the city. In 1099, during the First Crusade, it was converted into a church, but returned to being a Muslim place of worship with the reconquest by Saladin in 1187.

Cultural Significance

The Dome of the Rock is not only a symbol of the city of Jerusalem, but also an important symbol of Islam. It is part of the Temple Mount complex, which is revered by both Muslims and Jews, making it a place of great importance and also of political tension.

Today, the Dome of the Rock continues to be an important pilgrimage site and one of Jerusalem’s most visited tourist attractions, drawing visitors from around the world due to its beauty and historical significance.