The Dome of the Rock, situated in Old Jerusalem, holds immense significance for three major monotheistic religions. It is not only a place of great religious and historical importance but has also witnessed miraculous events in the past and is predicted to have a role in future events. Moreover, the structure itself exemplifies harmonious proportion in its design. Throughout history, this site has been bustling with activity and has been known by various names such as “Kubbat as-Sakhra” for Muslims, “Templar Domini” for Crusaders, and “Temple Mount” among Hebrews.
The “Foundation Stone” rock is of great importance to both the Jewish and Christian religions. It is believed to have significance as the place of creation, where Abraham made his sacrifice with his son Isaac, where Adam was formed, and where King Solomon’s temple once stood. Muslims also hold this rock in high esteem as it is the location from which Prophet Mohammed ascended to heaven and received teachings from Archangel Gabriel. According to Muslim prophecy, this rock will be the spot where an angel will sound the trumpet call for the Last Judgment.
The building, situated between the Kidron and Tyropoeon valleys, offers views of Mount Moriah and the Mount of Olives. It is cardinally aligned and rises on two trapezoidal shaped imbricated platforms. The smaller rectangular platform, known as the Haram Ash-Sharif or the Noble Sanctuary, serves as the foundation for the Dome. This sanctuary emerges from a larger irregularly shaped rectangular spread that becomes visible upon approach. The Dome of the Rock was constructed as a shrine specifically for Islamic pilgrimage purposes.
The Dome of the Rock, located in Jerusalem, Israel near Mount Moriah, was constructed between 687-691 CE with the oversight of Abd Al-Malik, the Islamic caliph. This structure features an octagonal shape and a prominent dome supported by a central drum-like element. Comprising three sections, namely the drum, the vaulted dome, and its ambulatories, the building includes entrance doors on each of its eight outer walls aligned with the cardinal directions. Upon entering, two concentric ambulatories enclose the Rock, which is safeguarded by a circular barrier.
The Rock’s design showcases symphonic geometric proportion. The circular border of the structure encompasses the meeting points of an inner octagon. These eight meeting points serve as the foundation for eight of the sixteen columns supporting the drum and dome. The drum and dome have a diameter of 20.2m. The dome, constructed from wood, has an approximate height of 20.4m. Another arcade comprising 24 columns separates the inner and outer ambulatories. These columns connect at the inner points of a larger octagon, with four of its points serving as entrance doors oriented to the cardinal directions.
The Dome of the Rock is a structurally flawless design, where every door, wall, column, and intersecting point is in proportion to each other. It is located in a historically significant space for supernatural and religious events. Serving as a symbolic shrine for Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, the Dome brings beauty through its use of geometric proportions.
The Dome of the Rock, a building with a significant history, holds importance in past events and potential future significance. Its crucial role in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam makes researching this structure particularly fascinating. Although I have always been interested in Judaism and Christianity, studying Islamic architecture has deepened my understanding. Through descriptions and images, visualizing the structure showcases its flawless design in a region characterized by religious conflict.
