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The Dome of the Rock: the Atypical Mosque

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If one were to select some buildings to represent Islamic architecture the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem would certainly be among them. The Dome of the Rock, or Qubbat as-Sakhra as it is called in Arabic, was built around 691-92 C.E. at the beginning of the rise of the Islamic empire. Although it symbolizes the excellence of Islamic architecture it's actually more of an anomaly. Rather than an example of a typical mosque it is a reflection of its historical context. This includes the attempt to rival the Islamic empire's predecessor in the area, the Byzantine-Christian empire, as well as establish a monument over a holy site.

BACKGROUND

The Dome of the Rock is in Jerusalem, the third holiest city to Muslims. It was built over as-Sakhra (the rock), considered the spot where the prophet Muhammed ended his Night Journey to Jerusalem and ascended to heaven. It is an eight sided building topped with a dome covered with gold sheathing. The dome marks the spot below where the hollow rock is located. It is covered inside and out with colored mosaics and Arabic calligraphy. The monument is itself part of a larger complex called Al Haram Al Sharif, the Noble Sanctuary.

THE TYPICAL MOSQUE

To most Muslims a mosque is considered such when it contains one or both of the forms they are most familiar with-- the dome and the minaret. Other fundamental elements are the qibla wall which tells worshipers the direction of prayer and the rectangular interior space which helps to define direction. These elements are a result of the function of the mosque which was to create a place for the community to pray. Prayer is done with rows of worshipers facing one direction (east to Mecca), hence the need for a rectangular plan with one wall marking direction. The mosque also has a defined frontal orientation and is often arranged around or in relation to a courtyard.

This description of the typical mosque can be found employed in the design of the Great Mosque at Damascus in Syria(8th century). By this same description the Dome of the Rock with its octagonal plan and central dome would prove to be atypical. Ernst J. Grube in "Architecture of the Islamic World", makes a comparison between the Great Mosque of Damascus and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem saying, "The Great Mosque in Damascus follows an established type and helps to create a tradition; the Dome of the Rock, standing alone on its platform and visible from all sides, remains a unique building in Islamic culture" (p.11).