The Grand Mosque of Damascus (also known as the Umayyad Mosque) was built under the rule of which Umayyad Caliph?

The Grand Mosque of Damascus, also widely known as the Umayyad Mosque, was constructed during the reign of Caliph Walid bin Abdul Malik, one of the most influential rulers of the Umayyad Dynasty. His rule marked a golden era of architectural expansion, and the Umayyad Mosque stands as one of the most remarkable examples of early Islamic architecture. Built between 706 and 715 CE, the mosque was commissioned to symbolize the strength, unity, and cultural identity of the early Islamic world.

Before its transformation into a majestic mosque, the site originally housed a temple dedicated to Jupiter during Roman times, and later a Christian basilica dedicated to John the Baptist. Caliph Walid bin Abdul Malik oversaw its conversion into a grand Islamic structure, ensuring that the new mosque reflected the artistic excellence and spiritual depth of the Umayyad era. The mosque’s stunning mosaics, vast prayer hall, and towering minarets became architectural inspirations for countless later Islamic structures across the Muslim world.

The Umayyad Mosque holds deep historical and religious significance. It is believed to be the resting place of the head of Prophet Yahya (John the Baptist) and is also linked to several important Islamic traditions. Its design continues to attract historians, architects, and visitors from across the globe.