Umayyad Mosque of Damascus: Art, Faith and Empire in Early Islam

The book explores the foundation of the Great Mosque of Damascus by the Umayyad dynasty, which broke with the consensual politics of the early Islamic empire and triggered a major crisis. It anchors the foundation in its pre-Islamic past and brings to life the commotion that followed the destruction of the church.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2021
Publisher: Gingko Library

The Great Mosque of Damascus, a magnificent testament to global architectural heritage, stands as the oldest mosque preserved in remarkably pristine condition. This captivating book marks the inaugural exploration into its establishment by the Umayyad dynasty, coinciding with the closing stages of the first Islamic century. Towards the end of 705, the Umayyad caliph, al-Walid, resolved to construct a new monumental mosque at the very heart of his capital, Damascus. This ambitious project necessitated the acquisition of a church that had stood since the forceful closure of the Roman temple of Jupiter centuries earlier, its towering walls still standing as a testament to history. However, when faced with the Christians' refusal to relinquish their sacred building, al-Walid resorted to forceful measures, a decision that defied the cooperative politics of the early Islamic empire and ignited a significant crisis that resonated throughout the Byzantine Empire. Despite the tumultuous circumstances, events unfolded as they would. Once the debris of the church was cleared, al-Walid and his team orchestrated intricate logistics to bring forth a magnificent structure of unparalleled opulence and splendor, marking a pivotal moment in mosque architecture. This meticulously researched volume establishes the foundation of the Umayyad Mosque in its pre-Islamic context and vividly portrays the commotion that ensued after the destruction of the church. Alain George delves into the intricate process of gathering artisans and materials for the construction of the new mosque, endeavors to reconstruct its Umayyad appearance, and uncovers the subtle aesthetics that underlay its awe-inspiring ornamentation. Presented with stunning illustrations, this captivating volume draws upon extensive research on new textual and visual sources, including Umayyad court poems and rare nineteenth-century photographs, enriching our understanding of this architectural marvel.

Weight: 1910g
Dimension: 252 x 302 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781909942455