Why was the Dome of the Rock built? A new perspective on a long-discussed question
Milka Levy-Rubin
Abstract The existing discussion regarding the motives for building Dome of Rock revolves around two suggestions: that incentive was fierce competition between ʿAbd al-Malik and ʿAbdallah b. al-Zubayr in Mecca, it with local Christian monuments moved to this outstanding edifice. This paper suggests a third lay political ideological rivalry Constantinople at its peak during period. drove build monument would outdo those Constantinople, especially Hagia Sophia. Muslim tradition emphasized had contaminated site Temple claimed inherit place as God's throne on earth. Rock, New Solomon, thus meant redeem Jerusalem's honour old against claims Constantinople.
Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies