The Dome of the Rock. The Great Mosque in Damascus. The Great Mosque in Córdoba. These remarkable achievements are all Umayyad.
Dr. Elizabeth Macaulay-Lewis
Once a temple to Zeus, the Great Mosque of Damascus, has survived the Syrian Civil War, and stands as one of the world's most important historic structures.
The Great Mosque of Damascus
Two countries honor their love of democracy with a huge statue of a woman! Neither let women vote, though.
The light of democracy — examining the ...
The Ottoman Turks turned this Byzantine church into a mosque, but a few adaptations to the space were necessary.
Hagia Sophia as a mosque
The ancient Nabateans cut Petra, their monumental city, from cliffs of rose red stone.
Petra: The rose red city of the ...
Located in Mecca, this square shrine is the holiest site in Islam. Muslims direct their prayers toward it.
The Kaaba
In their religious practice, Muslims follow five fundamental tenets—learn about them here.
The Five Pillars of Islam
One of the world’s main monotheistic faiths, Islam was founded by Muhammad, a merchant from Mecca.
Introduction to Islam
After the Ottomans conquered Constantinople, the sultan repurposed this church, adding slender “pencil” minarets.
Hagia Sophia as a mosque
Two countries honor their love of democracy with a huge statue of a woman! Neither let women vote, though.
The light of democracy — examining the ...
One of the world’s main monotheistic faiths, Islam was founded by Muhammad, a merchant from Mecca.
Introduction to Islam
The sound of the fountain led guests into this 18th-century house, where a vibrant interior stimulated ear and eye.
Qa’a (The Damascus room)
This mosque was the crowning achievement of architect Sinan’s career and a trophy of Ottoman imperial grandeur.
Mimar Sinan, Süleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul
Alexander the Great conquered the known world, but who was this monument for and what does it symbolize?
The Alexander Sarcophagus
After the Ottomans conquered Constantinople, the sultan repurposed this church, adding slender “pencil” minarets.
Hagia Sophia as a mosque
Unlike other of Sinan’s mosques, this one is covered with tiles, sits above shops, and is accessed from a stairway.
Mimar Sinan, Rüstem Pasha Mosque, Istanbul
This prayer niche once pointed students towards Mecca. Its blue and white patterns comprise verses from the Qur’an.
Mihrab from Isfahan (Iran)
These stucco statues, with vivid costumes and distinctive round faces, may once have guarded a grand hall.
Two Royal Figures (Saljuq period)
This wool carpet was woven for a shrine. Its dense design contains geometric patterns, floral motifs—and two lamps.
The Ardabil Carpet
Located in modern Turkey, Edirne was an important Ottoman city. Its great mosque boasts an ethereal octagonal dome.
