Dome of the Chain - Jerusalem
Dome of the Chain is located at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem and it stands next to the Dome of the Rock. It is believed that this building was used as a model for the Dome of the Rock. If we are to consider that Dome of the Chain was a prototype then there are many differences between the two structures. It is also considered one of the oldest Islamic buildings that are still standing to this day. According to Islamic belief is the spot where Judgment Day will occur in the “end of days” and where a chain will stop the sinful.
History
The Dome of the Chain was originally built by the caliph Abd al-Malik in 691. During the Crusaders period this building was turned into a chapel. In 1187, after Saladin captured Jerusalem this building was returned to Islamic use. Ayyubids and Mumluks of Egypt carried out major renovations on this structure. Ottoman sultan Suleiman the Magnificent added glazed tiles to it’s mehrab. A major renovation work was carried out by the waqf of Jerusalem in 1975.
