Dome of the Rock
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
The Dome of the Rock is an Islamic shrine located on the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem. It is considered to be one of the oldest and finest examples of Byzantine and emerging Islamic architecture.
The shrine was built over a rock considered sacred by both Muslims and Jews. The Prophet Muhammad is believed to have ascended into heaven from the site, while in Jewish tradition, Abraham is believed to have prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac on the site.
An inscription establishes the date of completion of the Dome of the Rock as 691-692, having been built by the order of Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik on the site of Herod’s Temple which was destroyed during the Roman Siege of Jerusalem in 70 CE.
The Byzantine Christian model of churches and martyriums was followed for the overall form of the architectural dome, as well as the decorative mosaics. This is combined with Quranic inscriptions that adorn the building, promoting the virtues of Islam over Christianity.
[edit] Design and construction
The building is dominated by its large, wooden-gilt dome, approximately 20 m in diameter, and rising to a height of 30 m above the surrounding stone-paved platform. The dome’s shape symbolises the soaring ascent to heaven, and its circle represents the wholeness and balance that is essential to the Muslim faith.
The platform is supported by a circular arcade of four piers and twelve columns. An octagonal arcade surrounds this circle, comprising eight piers and sixteen columns, which help support the dome. The octagon is repeated in the outer wall, each of the eight sides measuring 18 m in width and 8 m in height.
The colour of the shrine is also symbolic. Sky blue suggests infinity, while gold represents the colour of the knowledge of Allah.
The interior decorations are extensive and elaborate. There are 1,280 sq. m of intricate mosaics covering the walls from a variety of periods, as well as painted timber, marble, multi-coloured tiles, carpets and carved stone. The mosaics use intricate patterns and geometric shapes in place of figurative art.
The walls enclose a portion of the sacred rock which is exposed and protected by a railing, while a stairway leads to a natural cave beneath the surface.
[edit] Post-construction
The Dome of the Rock has been modified several times since it was completed in the 7th century, with each new group that conquered Jerusalem laying claim to the structure in its own way. In 1016, the original dome collapsed and was rebuilt in 1021.
In the 16th century, the Ottoman sultan Suleyman the Magnificent replaced the exterior mosaics with 45,000 blue and gold ceramic tiles.
In 1994, Jordan and Saudi Arabia donated 80 kg of gold to serve as a new covering for the iconic dome.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
IHBC NewsBlog
IHBC London Branch Conference launched and open for booking
‘Creative Conservation: Partnerships and Public Value’ - 4 Oct, Royal College of Physicians - leading speakers, unequalled debate - a CPD opportunity not to be missed!
IHBC latest Jobs etc skills review
Specialist areas and skills in demand, from design and project management to regulation and more featured in our celebrated – and very cost-effective - IHBC Jobs etc service.
Ideas bear fruit, as early career members ‘reverse mentor’, generating fresh perspectives on the institute’s future plans and structures!
IHBC Scotland at Listed Property Show in Edinburgh
IHBC Scotland will host a CPD session at the Show on 27 October, while an IHBC stand will offer more informal access and conservation advocacy to visitors.
IHBC Heritage from the doorstep
A traditional building in the Appleby Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) is filming its ‘work in progress’ as part of work grant aided by Historic England as reported by Cumbria Crack!
English Heritage celebrates the Cooper Car with a blue plaque.
A blue plaque has been placed at the home of the former Cooper Car Company, marking its motoring heritage.
Community Tree Planting Grants and £1.5million woodland fund look to make London the world’s first National Park City.
‘What if mothers or teenagers designed our cities?’ An opinion piece in the invites us to consider what our cities would look like if cities reflected their diverse populations.
V&A Dundee opens Saturday 15 Sept
IHBC NewsBlogs reports on some building construction and collection highlights, including spectacular drone footage of work in progress and to completion.
IHBC supports LPOC petition on VAT reductions for Listed Buildings
LPOC notes ‘...it is perverse that repairs should be subject to VAT when new development is not'.
Loyd Grossman recently appeared on a BBC radio programme to discuss NIMBYism in heritage and development, the programme is currently available on BBC iPlayer.
Call to share land value with communities
England’s SoS for Housing, Communities and Local Government is sent an open letter by leading campaign organisations calling for land value to be shared.
Redrock Stockport wins 2018 Carbuncle Cup
The 2018 winner of the Carbuncle Cup is Redrock Stockport, a £45m leisure complex and car park designed by BDP for the local council.