The very holy Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Syria. ( re-post )

*WS 25 ( re-post ) - The very holy Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Syria*

Damascus is the capital of Syria and the most famous sight here is the Umayyad Mosque, completed in 715 at the start of the Islamic Caliphates. Often considered the 4th holiest mosque in the World after those in Saudi Arabia. We were here in 2010.

This is an impressive institution, big and old. The structures have not been changed much since the initial years despite many rounds of restoration and additions, due to fires and wars. Non-muslims are allowed inside. Women need to put on a special overcoat though, 3rd photo. 

4th photo - interior, 5th photo - beautifully crafted minrab, 7th photo - the Dome of the Clock constructed in 780. 

Two features here might surprise some readers. 

Near the center inside the building is a memorial dedicated to St John the Baptist or Yahya (name in Arabic), 6th photo. The head of the saint was said to be buried here. St John or Yahya is also a prophet revered in Islam. 

There are 3 minarets. The tallest is the one at the eastern corner, 77 m tall and first built in 1247, last photo. And the name: Minaret of Jesus (Isa). Of course Jesus is a highly revered prophet in Islam. Islamic belief holds that Jesus would descend from heaven via the Minaret of Jesus on the Day of Judgement.