Dome of the Rock

The Dome of the Rock was commissioned by the Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan and completed between 691 and 692 CE. It stands as one of the oldest and most significant examples of Islamic architecture in the world. Built on the Temple Mount, known to Muslims as the Haram al-Sharif, its construction was intended to demonstrate the power and permanence of the new Islamic faith while rivaling the grand Christian churches of the era. The structure is centered around the Foundation Stone, which holds immense spiritual value. For Muslims, this is the site from which the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven during the Night Journey. For Jews, it is the location where Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac and the site of the Holy of Holies in the ancient Temple of Jerusalem. This shared significance makes it one of the most contested and revered spots on Earth. Over the centuries, the landmark has undergone numerous transformations. The original Byzantine-style mosaics on the exterior were replaced with the iconic blue Persian tiles by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century. The magnificent golden dome we see today was refurbished in the 20th century, ensuring the landmark remains a shimmering beacon in the Jerusalem skyline.