The Dome of the Rock’s Importance to Umayyad Cultural Policy

By Features Editor 9 months ago

Michael describes how the Dome of the Rock’s construction and architecture reflect the cultural syncretism policy of the Umayyad empire.

This article was written before the events of October 7th. I hope for a peaceful resolution to this conflict where both Israel and Palestine can benefit and move towards a brighter future. As evidenced by this paper, Israel/Palestine has such a rich history that is often used to gain political advantage. This article will be focusing on the cultural components of the Dome of the Rock and its status as a monument in Jerusalem.

The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem has dominated the skyline of the Holiest city in the world since its construction atop one of the holiest sites in Judaism. In 691 CE, Caliph Abd al-Malik finished its construction about 30 years after the Umayyad Caliphate seized control of Jerusalem from the Byzantines, appropriating the design of the Dome of the Rock (DotR) from the local inhabitants and structures of the city. The DotR epitomises non-interventionist Umayyad cultural policies that allowed cultural syncretism across the new Umayyad empire. 

Abd al-Malik began constructing the DotR as potentially a distraction from the civil war that followed during his ascension as Caliph. The DotR transforms the Temple Mount into the centre for multiple faiths, reinforcing the broader trend of the gradual cultural syncretism within Jerusalem and across the Umayyad Caliphate. The DotR serves as an Islamic shrine to commemorate the site of the Night Journey of the Prophet Muhammed whilst also appropriating customs of the newly-incorporated peoples to ensure a smoother transition in power from the Byzantines to the Umayyads through a policy of non-intervention.

Abd al-Malik’s policy of leaving the locals alone is represented by the DotR, letting the mixture happen naturally through the gravity which a structure so grand and opulent had. The policy of leniency and inaction meant Islam meshed with local Chrisitan and Jewish cultures throughout the Umayyad’s early conquests in the Middle East, North Africa, and Spain.

Built on the Temple Mount, the site of the DotR possessed a substantial amount of significance to Judaism as the ruins of the Second Temple. Placing it here and modelling the shrine after Byzantine martyria asserted Umayyad cultural and political hegemony over Byzantine Christianity and Judaism whilst also making the DotR a focal point of the city, borrowing Christian and Jewish religious symbols in an ostentatious display of superiority.

It has much very similar measurements and shapes to other previously-existing Byzantine churches, like the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Jesus was crucified according to Christian theology, with an internal diameter of 20.90 m, a height of 21.05 m, and an octagonal shape. The interior has many hallmarks of Islamic architecture and design, including: Umayyad Kufic calligraphy with a dark blue background as well as Islamic mosaics. Abd al-Malik ensured his Islamic shrine would reflect his territory’s identity by incorporating Christian-Syriac architectural elements, located on the holiest site in Judaism with Quranic calligraphy verses on the interior.

Within the DotR, architects included a new, specific script which aligned with the geometric layout of the shrine, later called Kufic, gradually becoming the hallmark for official inscriptions which featured Arabic script in both a religious and political content. The incorporation of Kufic script demonstrates the importance of the DotR primarily as a statement on Arabic culture and control over Jerusalem and the surrounding regions. The Kufic mosaic inscriptions, made with gold tesserae on a blue-green background, symbolise the importance of Arabic within the new territories as a non-negotiable facet of Arab and Umayyad culture, inscribed in the centre of the DotR. These designs stress the Arab identity as the foundation for this new syncretic culture, with the local customs adding to it, Arab culture unifying different ethnic groups of the Levant.

Many mosques and Islamic holy sites having been inspired by the dome on the DotR, demonstrating the permanent effect which this syncretic culture had on Arab and Islamic culture as a whole. This novel architectural style created a unique culture in Syria, incorporating imaginative and innovative syncretic concepts combining Christian and Islamic motifs. The narrative surrounding the construction of the DotR and its architecture show Abd al-Malik’s lenient cultural policies which allowed the locals in the newly conquered Umayyad territory of Jerusalem to gradually integrate into the hegemonic Arab identity.

Comments

comments

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

1,144 thoughts on “The Dome of the Rock’s Importance to Umayyad Cultural Policy”

  249. Whether they’re home at Stamford Bridge or on the road, Chelsea on TV are always well worth a watch with good friends. Monday-Sunday: Hours vary by show1010 Nicholson, Catfish Banks Downtown Baton Rouge,LA Live audio commentary of Liverpool vs. Chelsea and a full match replay and highlights will also be available on LFCTV GO here. 62. Chelsea are looking to make some changes themselves. 90+6 mins: It’s another defeat for Chelsea! Goals from Oliver Skipp and Harry Kane are enough to earn Spurs the win and moves them four points clear of Newcastle in fourth place. Spurs earned derby bragging rights on Sunday as second-half goals from Oliver Skipp and Harry Kane maintained their hunt for a top-four finish and extending the Blues’ miserable run under coach Graham Potter. Skipp picked up a clearance by Chelsea’s British record signing Enzo Fernandez and fired in from more than 20 yards, before Kane secured the three points when he pounced at the far post after a corner by Heung-min Son was flicked on by Eric Dier in the 82nd minute.
    https://www.4bk.jp/archives/2332
    Catch all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You can also follow the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News. Scroll down for all the ins and outs from the 2023 January transfer window. “The talk around the club has been that he will officially ask for a transfer in the next week.” But these deals are a rarity. Of the 10 biggest sales by French clubs this season, according to Transfermarkt, only one (Amine Gouiri’s move from Nice to Rennes) involved a domestic transfer. Subscriber-only Newsletter Diario AS S.L. makes an express reservation of the reproductions and uses of the works and other performances accessible from this website to machine-readable media or other media that are suitable for this purpose in accordance with Article 67.3 of Royal Decree-Law 24 2021, of November 2.

    Reply

  283. You completed a number of fine points there. I did a search on the topic and found nearly all folks will have the same opinion with your blog.

    Reply

  285. Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to give something back and aid others like you helped me.

    Reply

  377. Wonderful site you have here but I was curious about if you knew of any discussion boards that cover the same topics discussed in this article? I’d really love to be a part of community where I can get opinions from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Kudos!

    Reply

  391. Have you tried DoubleU Casino – Vegas Style Free Slots? Be the first to leave your opinion! Have you tried DoubleU Casino – Vegas Style Free Slots? Be the first to leave your opinion! Collect DoubleU Casino free chips now, get them all swiftly using the slot freebie links. Collect free DoubleU Casino slot chips with no tasks or registrations! Mobile for Android and iOS. Play on Facebook! This app carries considerable risk to children due to the substantial amount of simulated gambling involved. The app covers multiple casino-based games, encouraging in-game spending and repetitive gambling. There is limited learning potential as the games are very simplistic, and are largely played by pressing a ‘play deal’ button – they do not involve much strategy at all, and are mostly chance-driven.
    https://web-wiki.win/index.php?title=Trada_casino_free_spins_no_deposit
    In the not-too-distant past, slot-machine players were the second-class citizens of casino customers. Jackpots were small, payout percentages were horrendous and slot players just weren’t eligible for the kind of complimentary bonuses — free rooms, shows, meals — commonly given to table players. If you are looking for the Easy Slots Promo Code for February 2024 then check out what bonuses are available right now. Register as a new player and use a fantastic bonus offer to get you started. We found all slots loaded instantly with smooth graphics and gameplay. The autoplay functionality let us customize spin options easily. CoinKings has over a dozen progressive jackpot slots with some mega prizes up for grabs. If you’re reading this from Ontario, Canada then the good news is that legal and regulated real money casino gambling is available to ON residents. We recommend brands like Jackpot City Casino Ontario, NorthStar Bets Casino Ontario, and of course, PokerStars Casino Ontario – all of whom offer a wide range of popular real money slot games.

    Reply

  392. I conceive this internet site holds some real good info for everyone :D. “The public will believe anything, so long as it is not founded on truth.” by Edith Sitwell.

    Reply

  453. What is ZenCortex? ZenCortex is a cutting-edge dietary supplement meticulously crafted to provide essential nutrients that support and enhance healthy hearing

    Reply

  465. What Is Potent Stream? Potent Stream is a male health formula that helps to maintain healthy urinary and prostate health by killing off all the toxins in the body

    Reply

  540. Hello my friend! I wish to say that this article is amazing, nice written and include approximately all significant infos. I’d like to see more posts like this.

    Reply

  544. I just couldn’t leave your site prior to suggesting that I really enjoyed the standard information an individual provide to your visitors? Is gonna be back frequently in order to check out new posts

    Reply

  596. I do enjoy the way you have presented this specific difficulty plus it does indeed present me a lot of fodder for thought. Nevertheless, coming from everything that I have experienced, I really trust when other remarks pack on that folks stay on issue and don’t start on a soap box of some other news du jour. Yet, thank you for this fantastic piece and though I do not necessarily go along with the idea in totality, I value the perspective.

    Reply

  668. This design is spectacular! You certainly know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Fantastic job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!

    Reply

  671. Treat yourself and indulge in a world of relaxation and rejuvenation. Our Spring Specials will leave you feeling refreshed, revitalized, and renewed. Treat yourself and indulge in a world of relaxation and rejuvenation. Our Spring Specials will leave you feeling refreshed, revitalized, and renewed. Highlights on the schedule include a $40,000 guarantee for only $280, a $100,000 guarantee for $800, two resurrection events, and a mystery bounty for only $200 that includes multiple main event seats and at least one guaranteed $2,500 bounty. We are even running a freeroll satellite to the main event where you can qualify for a share of $100,000 without spending a penny! After a ton of fun and a big success in Reno in 2019, we are back at our favorite property, the amazing Atlantis Resort and Casino! iNinja will roll into the Atlantis for a ten-day series starting August 18th. The event will feature a host of unique events, big guarantees, and big giveaways from sponsors and iNinja to celebrate the biggest event in iNinja history!
    https://disqus.com/by/tabletonlinecas/about/
    “The physical challenge has definitely been immense for many reasons, of course. I haven’t done this in a minute. You’re just running around for 13 minutes, trying to put a two-hour set in 13 minutes … ” she said. “From the time it starts, it just never ends until it’s the very last second … It’s a jam-packed show, and it takes a toll on your body, it really does.” The chips’ body features a sword and spade mold going around the chip. The inlay design features a design printed with the Monaco Club, a tongue-in-cheek reference to the famous Monte Carlo Casino located in Monaco. The chip denomination is printed on the inlay. The printed inlay is also compressed to the chip and sealed with a thin layer of vinyl for protection.

    Reply

  682. After research just a few of the weblog posts on your website now, and I really like your approach of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and shall be checking back soon. Pls try my website as effectively and let me know what you think.

    Reply

  686. Oh my goodness! an amazing article dude. Thank you However I am experiencing subject with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting equivalent rss drawback? Anybody who knows kindly respond. Thnkx

    Reply

  687. I’d have to examine with you here. Which is not one thing I usually do! I take pleasure in reading a post that may make folks think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment!

    Reply

  689. Good day! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I really enjoy reading your blog posts. Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that deal with the same subjects? Thank you so much!

    Reply

  690. hello!,I like your writing so much! share we communicate more about your article on AOL? I require an expert on this area to solve my problem. May be that’s you! Looking forward to see you.

    Reply

  692. I have been surfing online greater than 3 hours today, but I by no means discovered any attention-grabbing article like yours. It is pretty worth sufficient for me. In my view, if all web owners and bloggers made good content material as you probably did, the internet will be much more helpful than ever before.

    Reply

  695. Howdy, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam responses? If so how do you prevent it, any plugin or anything you can advise? I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so any support is very much appreciated.

    Reply

  705. I do not even know how I ended up right here, but I assumed this put up used to be good. I do not recognize who you’re however certainly you’re going to a well-known blogger in the event you are not already 😉 Cheers!

    Reply

  724. Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a leisure account it. Look complex to far introduced agreeable from you! By the way, how could we be in contact?

    Reply

  725. 비아그라 구매 사기 방지하는 방법 불행히도, 온라인 세계는 의심하지 않는 구매자를 대상으로 하는 사기로 가득 차 있습니다. 다음은 온라인에서 비아그라를 사는 것과 관련된 몇 가지 일반적인 사기 및 이를 피하는 방법입니다

    Reply

  785. You could definitely see your skills within the article you write.
    The world hopes for more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe.

    Always follow your heart.

    Reply

  794. Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending way to much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!

    Reply

  804. 네이버 아이디 구매

    https://xn--2e0bn4eo6du2j9ll79cca2l.com

    네이버 아이디 구매

    네이버 계정
    I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here.
    The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish.
    nonetheless, you command get bought an edginess over that you wish
    be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since
    exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.

    Reply

  814. What i don’t realize is if truth be told how you are not really much more smartly-favored than you may be now. You’re very intelligent. You know thus considerably in terms of this subject, made me in my opinion imagine it from so many varied angles. Its like women and men don’t seem to be interested until it¦s one thing to accomplish with Girl gaga! Your personal stuffs outstanding. All the time maintain it up!

    Reply

  822. Hello, Neat post. There’s an issue with your site in internet explorer, would check this… IE nonetheless is the market leader and a big component to other folks will miss your magnificent writing because of this problem.

    Reply

  824. 비아그라 구매방법 의사 상담부터 온라인 구매까지
    성적 기능 장애는 남성들 사이에서 흔히 발생하는 문제 중 하나입니다. 이런 문제에 대처하기 위해 비아그라와 같은 약물이 널리 사용되고 있습니다. 그러나 비아그라는 처방전이 필요한 약물로 분류되어 있기 때문에, 올바른 절차를 따라 구매해야 합니다.

    Reply

  825. Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to give something back and help others like you helped me.

    Reply

  852. Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and all. Nevertheless just imagine if you added some great photos or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and clips, this blog could undeniably be one of the most beneficial in its niche. Amazing blog!

    Reply

  860. Just desire to say your article is as amazing. The clarity for your post is simply cool and that i can think you’re a professional on this subject. Well with your permission let me to grasp your RSS feed to keep up to date with impending post. Thank you one million and please continue the gratifying work.

    Reply

  875. 비아그라 구매방법 의사 상담부터 온라인 구매까지
    성적 기능 장애는 남성들 사이에서 흔히 발생하는 문제 중 하나입니다. 이런 문제에 대처하기 위해 비아그라와 같은 약물이 널리 사용되고 있습니다. 그러나 비아그라는 처방전이 필요한 약물로 분류되어 있기 때문에, 올바른 절차를 따라 구매해야 합니다.

    Reply

  900. What Is Wealth Signal? the Wealth Signal isn’t just a financial tool; it’s a new way of thinking about and achieving wealth. Unlike traditional methods that focus on external strategies, Wealth Signal emphasizes changing your internal mindset.

    Reply
  903. Pingback: spinco

  909. What is Tea Burn? Tea Burn is a new market-leading fat-burning supplement with a natural patent formula that can increase both speed and efficiency of metabolism. Combining it with Tea, water, or coffee can help burn calories quickly.

    Reply

  928. I have been exploring for a little for any high quality articles or blog posts on this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this web site. Studying this information So i am glad to exhibit that I have an incredibly just right uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I so much no doubt will make sure to do not disregard this website and provides it a glance regularly.

    Reply

  957. For anyone who hopes to find valuable information on that topic, right here is the perfect blog I would highly recommend. Feel free to visit my site Seoranko for additional resources about Search Engine Optimization.

    Reply

  970. 비아그라 구매방법 의사 상담부터 온라인 구매까지
    성적 기능 장애는 남성들 사이에서 흔히 발생하는 문제 중 하나입니다. 이런 문제에 대처하기 위해 비아그라와 같은 약물이 널리 사용되고 있습니다. 그러나 비아그라는 처방전이 필요한 약물로 분류되어 있기 때문에, 올바른 절차를 따라 구매해야 합니다.

    Reply

  1009. The very heart of your writing while sounding agreeable initially, did not really settle perfectly with me after some time. Someplace within the sentences you were able to make me a believer but only for a while. I however have a problem with your leaps in logic and one might do nicely to help fill in all those breaks. When you can accomplish that, I will definitely be amazed.

    Reply

  1016. You really make it seem so easy together with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually something that I feel I would by no means understand. It kind of feels too complex and extremely vast for me. I’m taking a look ahead for your subsequent post, I will try to get the dangle of it!

    Reply

  1042. What Is Java Burn? Java Burn is a natural health supplement that is formulated using clinically backed ingredients that promote healthy weight loss.

    Reply

  1044. You actually make it appear so easy along with your presentation however I find this topic to be actually something that I feel I would by no means understand. It kind of feels too complicated and very broad for me. I’m taking a look ahead on your subsequent publish, I will try to get the grasp of it!

    Reply

  1047. 비아그라(실데나필)를 사용하여 발기부전을 치료하면서도 건강하고 만족스러운 성적 삶을 유지하기 위한 조언을 제공하겠습니다. 이는 비아그라의 효과를 극대화하고 전반적인 성적 건강을 증진하는 데 도움이 될 것입니다.

    Reply

  1078. 비아그라는 주로 실데나필 시트레이트(Sildenafil Citrate)로 알려진 활성 성분을 포함하고 있습니다. 실데나필은 발기부전(ED)을 치료하는 데 사용되며, 그 작용 메커니즘은 다음과 같습니다.

    Reply

  1079. I enjoy what you guys are up too. This kind of clever work and exposure! Keep up the amazing works guys I’ve included you guys to our blogroll.

    Reply

  1082. Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending way to much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!

    Reply

  1087. Real good information can be found on site. “I believe in nothing, everything is sacred. I believe in everything, nothing is sacred.” by Tom Robbins.

    Reply

  1123. You actually make it appear so easy along with your presentation however I to find this topic to be actually one thing that I believe I would by no means understand. It seems too complicated and very extensive for me. I’m having a look forward on your next post, I will attempt to get the grasp of it!

    Reply

  1129. Great ?V I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your website. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well as related information ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, website theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Nice task..

    Reply

  1136. Thanks for another great article. Where else could anyone get that type of information in such an ideal way of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such info.

    Reply

  1144. Hello just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The words in your content seem to be running off the screen in Ie. I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with web browser compatibility but I figured I’d post to let you know. The style and design look great though! Hope you get the problem fixed soon. Thanks

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

THE STAND