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Umayyad Mosque, Damascus is one of the largest mosques in the city. Damascus is the capital city of Syria. It is a place full of some of the most astonishing historical marvels of the city. You would have a pleasant time exploring the many tourist attractions in the city. Damascus is also famous for the many festivals and fairs that are held in the region. While on a tour to the city, make sure to visit the beautiful Umayyad Mosque, Damascus.

The Umayyad Mosque, Damascus is of immense architectural significance. It is an old mosque located in this holy city. There was a temple of Hadad that stood in the place where the mosque is now situated. The mosque houses a shrine which is believed to have the head of the reverend John, the Baptist. He was deeply respected by the people of Muslim as well as Christian community. The head was found during one of the excavations in the site. There is also the tomb dedicated to Saladin which is situated in the beautiful garden close to the northern wall of the structure.

In the year 2001, the reverend pope John Paul II paid a visit to the Umayyad Mosque, Damascus to see the relics of John, the Baptist. This was a first time that the head of Christianity had visited a mosque. The mosque is modeled on the Prophet’s house in Medina. The structure has many uses including being used for political meetings, religious congregations, education, administrative purposes and many more. The mosque was built by 200 highly skilled workers. The mosque has very beautifully decorated interiors. The walls are covered in fine mosaics as well as geometric designs which are believed to be a painting of heaven. The interiors remind of the Dome of the Rock located in Jerusalem. The exterior was modeled after the temple of Jupiter.

The prayer hall of the Umayyad Mosque, Damascus comprises three aisles which rests on columns built in the Corinthian style. There was a fire in1893 which almost damaged the structure. A part of it has however been restored. The mosque has a minaret at the southeast end. This is known as the Minaret of Jesus. This is so because many Muslims hold the view that Jesus would come here when the world comes to an end.

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