3.5. Fethiye's mosque - the former Mosque of the Virgin, and Mosque Mikhrimam - the former Mosque Mariam, that is, the same Virgin? But why is the name of the Murad mosque, not the mosque of Selima mentioned on the map? The case is likely that the Western European compiler of the map, being

This is one of the most famous mosques of the world. It is built on the site of preceding more ancient temples. Three thousand years ago, the Aramaic temple of God Hadada was here. At the beginning of our era, "Palm Championship" was adopted by the Romans. They erected the Temple of Jupiter, who at the end of the 4th century was destroyed by the Byzantine Emperor Feodosius. From the ancient temple there was a lot of colonnade around the mosque, apparently theeodosius did not try very much. They were built a huge basilica St. John. Capturing Muslim Damascus, this cathedral was used long enough together with Christians. Christians prayed in the eastern part of the basilica, and Muslims in Western.

In 708, Khalif Valid confiscated the building of St. Iioanna Cathedral, providing Christians to other churches. He began to build a mosque worthy of his huge caliphate. Omeyadov Mosque built more than 10 years. It must be said that the builders largely retained the ancient walls of the cathedral and three main gates. Three minarets of the mosque also have ancient bases.

Western Wall of the Mosque and Minaret of the Prophet Mohammed.

The minaret was restored after the fire of Mamluk Sultan Kait Beem in 1488. Therefore, it is often referred to as a minaret of Kait Bay.

Here is the main entrance to the mosque - the gate of the Bab al-Barid. On the square in front of these gates there is an entrance to the famous market of Sup al-Hamidiy, so it is always very crowded here.
Gate of Bab al-Barid (view from the courtyard)

I entered the mosque through the northern gate - Bab al-Faradis. The entrance to the mosque is paid, but here the ticket did not demand me, although it is worth some pennies - a little more than a dollar. Probably, the gatekeepers were too lazy to bother with me, the only thing for what they are watching is very strictly - that women dressed special capes, which are immediately distributed or sold, I did not specify ...
Gateway to Paradise ... Bab al-Faradis

Northern minaret or minaret bride refers to the beginning of the 8th century.

Minaret Bride and Azan in the Mosque of Omeyadov

In the center of the courtyard is a fountain for ablutions - Kubbat An-Noofar

Western portal has an interesting building - a treasury of Kubbat Al Haza (787). It has no progress directly from the ground, such a treasury is in many Islamic mosques.

Fame in the courtyard of the mosque brought numerous mosaics of the Western portal. Especially highlighted panel depicting paradise gardens.
Paradise garden and palaces in it.

Mosaics were performed by Byzantine masters at the time of the Caliph Valid, and then they were smeared with some very pious receiver. This is exactly what they reached us in good condition.

Mosaic on the facade of the chamber.

Southeast Minaret of the Prophet Isy - Jesus Christ. On the local legend, he will go down to Earth on this minaret on the eve of a terrible court ...

The details of the ancient basilica are the predecessors of the current mosque.


Central Michrab and Minbar Mosque Omeyadov
The chapel of St. John the Baptist (he is the Prophet of Yahya in the Quran). The salty head is located as if found in 705 while restructuring the basilica in the mosque.

Namaz in the mosque of Omeyadov


Between the male and female part of the champion, a kind of "alienation" is a blank space ...

Men, understandable things closer to Mihamabam.
Women's "Gallery"

Alone with the Lord ...

Mosque of Omeyadov (Damascus, Syria) is one of the most majestic and old temple buildings in the world. She is also called the Large Damascus Mosque. The value of this building for the country's architectural heritage is simply colossal. Its location is also symbolic. There is a big mosque of Omeyad in Damascus - the oldest city of Syria.

Historical background

Omeyad's mosque is located in the capital of Syria - Damascus. Archaeologists argue that this city is about 10,000 years. Around the world, ancient Damascus there is only one city - Jericho in Palestine. Damascus is the largest religious center of the entire Levant, and his highlight is rightfully the mosque of Omeyadov. Levant is a generalized name for all countries of the eastern direction of the Mediterranean, such as Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Palestine, etc.

After visiting Damascus, the Apostle Paul in the city has a new religious course - Christianity. And the fact that Damascus is mentioned several times in the Bible, it is also no coincidence. The end of the XI century has become a fateful for the city. He was conquered by the king of the Israeli state David. Gradually, the Aramaic tribes on this territory began the foundation of the new kingdom, which then included Palestine. In 333 BC Damascus seized the army of Alexander Macedonsky, and in 66, the Roman army, after which he became the province of Syria.

Mosque of Omeyadov (Damascus). Chronicles

At the site of the construction of a mosque in the Aramaic Era (approximately 3 thousand years ago), the temple of Hadada was located, in which the Arameites conducted worship. The Chronicles show that Jesus Christ himself was told in their language. This is evidenced by excavations, thanks to which basalt steles were found in the northeast corner of the big mosque with the image of the Sphinx. In the subsequent Roman era, the Temple of Jupiter was built in the same place. In the era of Byzantium, by order of the emperor, Theodosius the pagan temple was destroyed and the church of St. Zechariah was built in its place, which later renamed the temple of John the Baptist.

It is noteworthy that this church was a refuge not only for Christians, but also for Muslims. For 70 years, divine services were held in the church for two denominations at the same time. Therefore, when Arabs in 636 won Damascus, they did not touch this construction. Moreover, Muslims built a small brick extension to the temple on the south side.

Construction of the mosque

When the Omeyyad Calif al-Valid I climbed to the throne, it was decided to buy church from Christians. Then she was destroyed and an existing mosque was built in her place. Caliph Al-Valid I decided to create the main cult facility for Muslims. He wanted the building to be distinguished by special architectural beauty from all Christian buildings. The fact is that Christian churches were located in Syria, who were distinguished by beauty and splendor. Khalif wanted the mosque to attract them more attention to themselves, so she had to become more beautiful. His ideas implemented the best architects and masters from Maghreb, India, Rome and Persia. All means at the time in the state treasury were spent on the construction of the mosque. Byzantine emperor, as well as some Muslim rulers contributed to the construction of the mosque. They provided a lot of mosaics and precious stones.

Architecture of the structure

The big mosque of Damascus or the mosque of Omeyadov is hidden from the bustle of the big city for massive walls. On the left side of the entrance you can see a huge wooden wagon on the wheels of impressive sizes. It is rumored that this is preserved since the times of ancient Rome. Although some believe that this wagon was a device for Taran during the assault of Damascus, left by Tamerlane.

Over the gates of the mosque opens a spacious courtyard, laid out marble black and white plates. Walls are made of onyx. On all sides, the courtyard is surrounded by colonnay in the form of a rectangle of 125 meters long and 50 meters wide. You can enter the mosque of Omeyadov from four sides through the gate. The mileal hall takes one side, around the perimeter courtyard is surrounded by painted vaulted gallery, richly decorated with images of paradise gardens and golden mosaic. In the very center of the courtyard there is a swimming pool for ablution and fountain.

Prophecy Tower

A special value is minarets that have been preserved almost in priority. In 1488 their partial restoration was performed. Minaret, located in the southeast direction, is dedicated to the Prophet ISU (Jesus) and bears his name. Minaret looks like a quadrangular tower, by type resembling a pencil. The mosque of Omeyad is especially famous.

The prophecy of the tower says that before the terrible court in the second coming, Jesus Christ will come down in this minaret. When he enters the mosque, he will raise the prophet yah. Then both of them will go to Jerusalem to establish justice on earth. That is why every day in place, where the Savior's foot allegedly stops, the new carpet is steed. Opposite the Minaret of Jesus is located Minaret Bride or Al-Aura. On the western side there is a minaret al-Garbium, which was built in the XV century.

Interior decoration of the mosque

The facade of the courtyard of the mosque is lined with a multi-colored marble. Some plots are decorated with mosaic and coated with gilding. For long enough, all this beauty hid a dense layer of plaster, and only in 1927, thanks to the skillful restorers, it became available for contemplation.

The interior of the mosque is not less beautiful. Walls are encrusted with marble, and carpets extend on the floors. There are more than five thousand them. The prayer room has impressive sizes. Its length is 136 meters, and the width is 37 meters. All it is covered with a wooden flooring, Corinthian columns are tested along its perimeter. The center of the hall occupy four painted columns supporting a huge dome. A special value is painting and mosaic on columns.

Tomb Yakhia.

The southern side of the challenge hall is occupied by four Mihraba. One of the main shrines of the mosques is the tomb of Hussein Ibn Ali, who, according to the legend, was the grandson of the Prophet Muhammed, is located in the eastern side of the yard. The entrance to the relic is hidden behind the small doors in the depths of the courtyard. The tomb is in the chapel of Hussein. According to the legend, the grandson of the Prophet was killed in the battle of Kerbel in 681. The cut-off head of Hussein was presented to the ruler of Syria, which ordered her to hang her at the very place where the head of John the Baptist once hung on the orders of King Herod. The legend says that the birds after that began to publish sad trills and all the inhabitants were crying without tired. Then the ruler repent and gave an order to conclude his head to the Golden Tomb and put it in the crypt, which later turned out to be in the mosque. Muslims argue that in the tomb they are also located that he cut off when the last time I visited Mecca.

The tomb of John the Baptist

Also in the prayer hall is a tomb with the head of John the Forerunner. When the foundation of the mosque was laid, the builders were detected by the grave. According to Syrian Christians, it was the burial of John the Baptist. Caliph Ibn Valida gave an order to leave the grave at the same place. So she was in the very center of the prayer hall. The white marble tomb is surrounded by niches from green glass through which you can put a note of the Prophet Yakhye or present to him the gift. According to Archimandrite Alexander Elisov, only a part of John the Baptist's head is located in the tomb. The rest of the relics are hidden in Athos, Amiens and in the Temple of Pope Sylvester in Rome.

A small garden is adjacent to the northern part of the mosque, in which the tomb of Salah-hell-Dina is located.

Test

Like any other shrine, the mosque of Omeyadov passed through a lot of tests. Separate parts of it were burning several times. The mosque suffered also from natural disasters. In 1176, 1200 and 1759, the strongest earthquakes fell on the city. After the end of the board of the dynasty of Omeyadov, Syria was made several times devastating raids of the Mongol, Selzhuki and Ottomans. Despite all the difficulties, the only construction that quickly subsidized and pleased his parishioners, was the mosque of Omeyad. Syria to this day is proud of the indestructible power of this unique cultural monument.

Rules of location in the mosque

Mosque of Omeyadov (Damascus) is a hospitable place for people of any religion. Parishioners in her walls do not feel stirred, on the contrary, they behave quite relaxed. Here you can see those who make Namaz, those who read the scriptures. Here you can just sit and enjoy the holiness of this place, you can even lie. Sometimes you can even meet sleeping people. The ministers of the mosque to all are democratically, do not drive anyone and do not condemn. Children love to ride a marble polished to the glitter of the floor. Tourists for a small fee can visit the Mosque of Omeyadov (Syria) on any day except Friday. When entering the mosque, you should remove shoes. It can be paid to the storage of ministers for an additional fee or carry. For women, special clothes are provided in the form of black capes, which is also issued at the entrance. It should be borne in mind that in Syria is almost always very hot, so in the mosque sometimes it is rare to the limit. Barefoot on such a surface is almost impossible to move, so it is better to capture socks with you.

Muslims from all over the world seek at least once to visit the Mosque of Omeyadov (Syria). In Damascus, this is the most crowded place.

In the very center of the old Damascus, one of the greatest shrines of the Muslim world is towers - Umayya, or Mosque of Omeyadov, a big mosque, built at the beginning of the VIII century. Caliph Al Valid Ibn Abd al-Malik.

In antique times at this place, the Romans built the Temple of Jupiter with his architectural ensemble surrounding it. In IV century The Byzantines came and, destroying the pagan temple, built an Orthodox cathedral from his wreckage in the name of the Christian prophet John the Baptist executed by the King Herod.

At the beginning of the VII century. Arabs Muslims, capturing Syria with her churches and monasteries, were amazed by their luxury and pomp of the religious rituals of the conquered Byzantines. Communion Halad Ben Valid, whose troops surrendered in 636 Garnis of Damascus, guaranteed "the inviolability of residents of the city, their property, churches and urban walls in writing. The main cathedral of the city became the place of prayer of Muslim warriors, allowed here for their prayers and Christians. In a word, there was enough space to everyone. Thus, several decades in the atmosphere of religious tolerance and mutual respect for the Christian and Muslim communities continued; The ringing of bells over a giant basil dedicated to John the Baptist, alternated with the prayer singing Muzzin.

But there was time, and Damascus from the ordinary city of the Prophet Mohammed and its first successors turned into the capital of a huge caliphate based on the Omeyad dynasty (661-750). The number of adherents of Islam has increased so much that the grandiose basil of St. John with its three 140-meter spans-nefs could not accommodate everyone, and Christians here were absolutely unnecessary. In addition, the new capital of the rich, bloomed, and the Omeyad Caliphs rightly decided that she should have its own sanctuary, similar to the first mosques in Mecca, Medina, Kufa, Basra ... and the sixth caliph from the kind of Omeyadov Al Valid Ibn Abd al-Malik ( 705-715), which stretched from in the east to the Pyrenees and Atlantic in the West, began negotiations with representatives of the Christian community of Damascus, offering them to give Muslims the territory of basilica in exchange for permission to be easily used to use five temples in the city. Christians were chosen. Then the Caliph threatened that he would order to destroy the Church of St. Thomas, which was even greater than the temple of St. John. Christian elders had to conquer. By the way, afterwards, all the temples of Christians were destroyed or turned into a mosque, except the Church of St. Mary, who today is the main cathedral of the Antioch Patriarch.

Al-Valid ordered to destroy the Basilica, remove the remnants of Roman structures, on the site of which she was erected, and began the construction of a mosque, "which was not more beautiful and will not be." According to the testimony of the Arab historian ADA AR-Rashid Al-Bakuvi, construction continued all ten years of the Board of Califa with the participation of 12 thousand workers. The ruler has spent seven-year-old Haraj (income) of the state. When on eighteen camels, he delivered paper with accounts, he didn't even look at them and said: "This is what we spent for the sake of Allah, so we will not regret it."

Creation "For the sake of Allah" was truly grand. The fact that Arab architects created at the beginning of the VIII century, for centuries, served as a model to the entire Muslim world. During the construction of the Mosque of Omeyadov, technical and artistic techniques of Sassanid and Byzantine architecture were used, many elements of the ancient temples were even preserved, on the site of which was built. However, the mosque plan and the inner structure received a completely different interpretation. And her decor was famous for incomparable perfection.

The mosque ensemble is a 156x97 meters rectangle plan. The prayer hall is freely visible in all directions - the ancient columns, preserved from the Romans and the Byzantines, will take apart from each other for five or more than five meters. They rely on bunk arches, emphasizing the height of the hall, topped in the center of the dome on four supports, which is called "Kubbat An-Nasr" - "Victory Dome".

The mosque hall lights massive European-type crystal chandeliers. In the XIX century The prayer room somewhat changed its appearance. In particular, the windows and openings arches of the north wall were decorated with bright colorful stained glass windows.
A cool staircase behind carved high doors leads to high ambon (Minbar) from white marble. From here, spiritual sermons are currently broadcast on radio across the country.

The big mosque has three minarets, and everyone stands on the foundation of Roman-Byzantine times. All of them have the names: the bride minaret (the quadrangular tower, since the ancient base is square), Minaret Isa, that is, Jesus Christ (towers above the south-western corner of the mosque), and Minaret Mohammed - West (erected in 1184).

Muslims believe that on the eve of the terrible court of Isa (Jesus Christ) go down to the ground near his "his" minaret to fight Antichrist. And when this happens, the bride's minaret will be released a girl from the Hassanid tribe: she was the bride of Jesus, but the beauty was inspired to the walls of the tower, which once stood at this place.

In this huge mosque, many mysterious and mysterious places. In the depths of her yard among the Columns of the gallery, the little door is hiding, leading to the so-called Misthared Hussein - Chapel Hussein: Everything in Damascus knows that here, in a capsule under a bedspread, embroidered with the head of the Muhammed's grandson - Hussein, the martyr Islam, killed In the battle of Kerbel in 681. His head was cut off, delivered to Damascus to the ruler of Syria Moavia and heated on the city gate - at the very place where the King Herod ordered to put the head of John the Baptist. Nightingale, tells the legend, sank in the gardens of the city so sad that all his inhabitants were sobbed. Then Muavia, full of repentance, ordered to put his head into the golden sarcophagus and install it in the crypt, which later turned out to be inside the mosque of Omeyad. It is said that the Mohammed's hair is stored there, which he is aspiring before the last pilgrimage in Mecca. Near the day and night Mullah reads Quran.
Mosque of Omoyyad in Damascus
And the capsule with the head of John the Baptist, famous for Russia as John the Forerunner (in the Quran it is called Yuhann), is also here in the mosque of Omeyad. It is stored in the center of the temple, in a small elegant pavilion with a dome, repeating on the shape of the arches overnight over it, and behind the lattice windows. How did she get here? She was always here, but found it, as they tell, several centuries ago, during restoration work.

Through the famous Avan (colonnade) of Omeyadov, the inner courtyard of the mosque is well visible. In the center of the courtyard - a fountain for ablution, for the temple is the place of purification.
Perhaps nowhere in the world does not find such a mosaic as in the mosque of Omeyadov. The panel of a total area of \u200b\u200b35x7.5 meters is made by jetty glass or gold-plated smalt cubes into the binder mass - so created a mosaic and in the Roman Empire. According to legend, it was panel made by the masters discharged by al-Valida from Constantinople. That here is only nor depicted: both rural landscapes, and blooming corners of Damascus, and the Barade River with castles on the shores. The heirs of al-Valida, afraid of the anger of Allah, were ordered to smell with a lime solution. These images are samples of culture of the early Lamlamic period, combining the ornament and image, symbol and realistic reproduction of the earth's world. Now they are restored.

When the messengers of Byzantium saw a big mosque for the first time, they could not restrain the admiration, uttering the historical phrase: "A wonderful mosque made us make sure that the Arabs finally entrenched in this country and we will never be able to return here."

Unfortunately, unhappiness and disasters did not bypace this masterpiece of architecture - between 1068 and 1893 the mosque and its separate parts are the countless number of times. Three times - in 1157, 1200 and 1759 - she was hurt by great damage to earthquake. Since the Damascus has ceased to have ceased to the Caliphate capital, Syria was subjected to devastating raids of the Selzhuks, then Mongols, then Osmananov. But every time the mosque rebelled and again pleased the Muslim world with its magnificence.

The Muslims of the whole world flock to the Museum of Omeyadov and today. In Damascus, she is the most visited. Muslims come here to cleanse and make a prayer, hear and see the word Allah, to join the beauty, for, as the prophet said: "Allah loves beautiful," only with his help, with his blessing it could appear on Earth such a wonder of harmony Temple in the center of the Muslim world, open to all believers.