1.
Octagonal Base: The structure of the Dome of the Rock is based on the Byzantine
architectural tradition. It has an octagonal shape.
2. Gilded Wooden Central Dome: The dome, approximately 65 feet in diameter, is
mounted on an elevated drum, rises above a circle of 16 piers and columns. The
dome is made of wood and covered with gold.
3. Interior Circle and Octagonal Arcade: Surrounding the circle under the dome is an
octagonal arcade of 24 piers and columns. Internally, the great rock, the “Sakhra,”
which is in the center, is encircled by four massive piers and twelve columns.
4. Sacred Rock: Below the dome, a portion of the sacred rock is exposed and
protected by a railing. A stairway leads to a natural cave beneath the surface of the
rock.
5. Exterior Walls: The exterior walls form an octagon, with each of the eight sides
being approximately 60 feet wide and 36 feet high. The exterior walls are covered
with marble and glazed tiles.
6. Interior Decoration: The interior is decorated with mosaics and inscriptions.
7. Exterior Decoration: The exterior of the Dome of the Rock is as magnificent as its
interior. The outer walls are covered with glazed ceramic tiles and the dome is
covered with gilt aluminum and bronze. The tiles are of fine coloring and very
detailed workmanship.
8. Color: The exterior of the Dome of the Rock is known for its striking colors. The
dome itself is golden, while the Turkish Faience tiles that cover the exterior walls are
primarily dark blue.
9. Calligraphy: The exterior decoration of the Dome of the Rock includes inscriptions in
white against a dark-blue background. The text is written in the Ottoman thuluth
script. The inscription is interspersed with vegetal decoration consisting of
intertwining spiraling stems, with blossoms and leaves.
References:
Khan Academy. (n.d.). The Dome of the Rock (Qubbat al-Sakhra). Retrieved from [Khan
Academy]
Encyclopaedia Britannica. (n.d.). Dome of the Rock | History, Architecture, & Significance.
Retrieved from [Britannica]
Architecture Lab. (2024, February 21). Dome of the Rock: An Architecture Landmark to Visit
in Jerusalem. Retrieved from [Architecture Lab]
Life in the Holy Land. (n.d.). Dome of the Rock, Interior. Retrieved from [Life in the Holy
Land]
Khan Academy. (n.d.). The Dome of the Rock (Qubbat al-Sakhra). Retrieved from [Khan
Academy]
Lumen Learning. (n.d.). Dome of the Rock | Art History I. Retrieved from [Lumen Learning]
Discover Islamic Art. (n.d.). Tile from ceramic inscription panel of the Dome of the Rock.
Retrieved from [Discover Islamic Art]
ABOUT:
The Dome of the Rock, located in Jerusalem, is a significant religious site with deep
historical and spiritual importance for both Muslims and Jews, and has also been important
to Christians throughout history.
For Muslims, the Dome of the Rock is the oldest extant Islamic monument, built by the
Umayyad caliph ʿAbd al-Malik ibn Marwān in the late 7th century CE. It is believed to be the
spot from which the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven, an event known as the Miʿrāj.
The structure is situated on a flat elevated plaza known to Muslims as al-Ḥaram al-Sharīf
(“The Noble Sanctuary”) and to Jews as the Temple Mount.
For Jews, the Temple Mount is the site where the Temple of Jerusalem once stood, the most
sacred center of religious practice for the ancient Israelites. The rock at the center of the
Dome of the Rock is also significant in the Judeo-Christian tradition, believed to be the
location where Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac.
The Dome of the Rock briefly fell into Christian hands during the Crusades, when it was
repurposed as a church, before being returned to Islam by Saladin.
The location of the Dome of the Rock has been a point of contention due to its religious
significance to both Muslims and Jews. This has led to conflicts and tensions over the years.
However, it’s important to note that many people of both faiths, and others around the world,
continue to advocate for peace and mutual respect at this important site.
REFERENCES:
Encyclopædia Britannica. (n.d.). Dome of the Rock. In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved
from [Link]
Jewish Virtual Library. (n.d.). The Temple Mount. In Jewish Virtual Library. Retrieved from
[Link]
[Link] Editors. (2018, August 21). Crusades. In HISTORY. A&E Television Networks.
Retrieved from [Link]
Jewish Virtual Library. (n.d.). Abraham & Isaac: The Binding of Isaac. In Jewish Virtual
Library. Retrieved from [Link]
BBC. (2009, November 4). Jerusalem - Dome of the Rock. In BBC. Retrieved from
[Link]
.