Damascus’s Old Mosques: Timeless Sanctuaries.
Damascus, the ancient capital of Syria, is a city of great historical and cultural significance, as well as a remarkable collection of religious sites. These sacred locations, scattered throughout the city, bear witness to their profound importance for various faiths. The abundance of religious sites in Damascus creates a rich tapestry that reflects the city’s diverse and enduring history, showcasing the coexistence and interaction of different religious communities over centuries.
Al-Seida Raqiyeh Mosque:
One notable religious site is the Al-Seida Raqiyeh Mosque, which holds immense significance as a Shia pilgrimage site in Syria. Pilgrims, primarily from Iraq and Iran, visit the mosque to pay homage to Raqiyeh, the daughter of Hussein, the granddaughter of Ali, and the great-granddaughter of Mohammed. Originally a small mausoleum, Al-Seida Raqiyeh Mosque was constructed in 1985 with funding from Iran.
Al-Seida Raqiyeh welcomes visitors throughout the day and features separate areas for male and female worshippers. The mosque’s interior is adorned with vibrant blue ceramic tiles and mirrors, creating a striking contrast to the more subtle decorations found in traditional Syrian mosques. Situated in the old city of Damascus, the mosque is conveniently located just a short walk away from the Umayyad Mosque.
Mohi al-Din Bin Arabi Mosque:
Another fascinating place of worship in Damascus is the Mohi al-Din Bin Arabi Mosque, located in the northern district of Al-Salhiyeh. This mosque houses the tomb of the renowned Sufi mystic Abu Abdullah Mohammed Ibn Ali Ibn Mohammed Ibn Arabi, who lived from 1165 to 1240. Born in Andalusia, Ibn Arabi gradually moved east and found a more receptive environment for his teachings in Damascus. The mosque, constructed during the early Ottoman period in 1518, aimed to promote the practice of Sufism.
Architecturally, the building combines late Mamluk and early Ottoman designs. It underwent expansion and restoration in 1947-1948. Ibn Arabi’s tomb, located in a domed chamber beneath the mosque, is accessed through a stairway on the eastern side of the main courtyard. The shrine serves as an important pilgrimage site for Sufis and attracts a steady stream of visitors. The burial chamber also contains the tombs of Ibn Arabi’s two sons and some of his prominent followers. Additionally, it features a cenotaph for Abd al-Qadar Ibn Mohi al-Din, the Algerian resistance leader who was buried there until Algerian independence.
Al-Sinaniyeh Mosqu:
Al-Sinaniyeh Mosque, constructed in 1590-1591 under the patronage of Sinan Pasha, the Ottoman governor of Damascus, is another notable mosque situated southwest of the old city walls. Sinan Pasha, who held positions of authority in Damascus, Cairo, and the Ottoman Empire, was known for his wealth but also regarded as cruel, greedy, vain, and spiteful by historians.
The mosque stands out for its intricate decorative tiles and a distinctive minaret adorned with green and blue enamelled bricks. The walls feature alternating horizontal bands of black and white stone, while the western entrance boasts a marble panel with Arabic inscriptions, mosaic panels, and glazed tile work.
Inside, a small courtyard leads to the prayer hall, which is supported by marble columns and adorned with stained glass windows, glazed tiles, and stone mosaics. The central prayer hall, under a large dome embellished with intricate paintings, is particularly impressive. The mosque’s minbar, a pulpit, is made of marble with carved floral motifs and inscriptions, topped by a conical dome.
Al-Sabuniyeh Mosque:
Al-Sabuniyeh Mosque, located southwest of the old city walls, is an appealing mosque that was established as a funerary endowment between 1459 and 1464 by a wealthy merchant named Shihab al-Din Ahmad Ibn Al-Sabuni.
Over the years, it has served as both a mosque and a religious school (madrasa). The mosque’s façade is highly ornate, featuring black and white banding, a tall and intricately designed doorway, and medallion panels above the windows. The octagonal minaret is also lavishly decorated. While the mosque is rarely open to the public, the interior dome displays floral designs, adding to its aesthetic appeal.
