9. The mosaics of the interior feature both realistic and stylized representations of vegetation and related themes (Muslim law forbids the representation of living beings in art). The mosaics evoke an exotic garden, perhaps the gardens of Paradise. Rich jewelry is also depicted in abundance, including breastplates, necklaces, and a Persian crown with features gathered at the base. The caliph Omar had conquered Persia in 637, and the mosaics symbolize the Persian crowns he sent to hang in Mecca.
10. The cupola , the interior of the great golden dome, features elaborate floral decorations in red and gold, as well as various inscriptions. The main inscription in the cupola commemorates Saladin, who sponsored extensive restoration work on the building.
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12. And here's a view not seen even by most visitors to the Dome of the Rock, a close look of the beautifully decorated cupola and drum. The Arabic inscriptions commemorate Saladin, who sponsored extensive restoration work on the building. Photo by National Geographic in 1914.
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16. Quick Facts Names: Dome of the Rock Type of site: Muslim shrine Dates: Built 688-91 AD Location: Haram es-Sharif (Temple Mount), Old City, Jerusalem Hours: 8:30am to 3pm. Closed during midday prayers. The Temple Mount is not open to visitors on Friday or Muslim holidays, or during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Cost: Admission NIS 38 ($8.40) for Al-Aqsa Mosque, Dome of the Rock, and Islamic Museum. The combined admission ticket can be purchased from a stone kiosk between Al-Aqsa and the Dome of the Rock.
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22. Quick Facts Names: Blue Mosque; Sultanahmet Camii; Sultanahmet Mosque Type of site: Mosque Dates: 1609-1616 Architecture: Ottoman Architect: Mehmet Aga Status: Active Location: Next to the Hagia Sophia in central Istanbul, Turkey Phone: (0212) 518 1319 Open: 9am-6pm, except during daily prayer times (about a half-hour, five times daily) and midday on Fridays Cost: Free
26. The structure seen straight ahead is a müezzin mahfili, a platform used by the muezzin (mosque official) when chanting responses to the prayers of the imam (head of the mosque). Photo khoogheem .
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29. The highly decorative mosque has three great gateways, four towers and two 40 meter (135 feet) high minarets constructed of strips of red sandstone and white marble.
32. Women with their heads covered Man transcribing from the Koran in Arabic
33. As one enters through Taj Mahal Gate, the calligraphy reads "O Soul, thou art at rest. Return to the Lord at peace with Him, and He at peace with you." The tombs of the Shah and his beloved wife.
37. Shah Jahan, who commissioned the Taj Mahal -"Shah jahan on a globe" from the Smithsonian Institution Artistic depiction of Mumtaz Mahal
38. The base structure is a large, multi-chambered structure. The base is essentially a cube with chamferededges and is roughly 55 meters on each side (see floor plan, right). On the long sides, a massive pishtaq , or vaulted archway, frames the iwan with a similar arch-shaped balcony. On either side of the main arch, additional pishtaqs are stacked above and below. This motif of stacked pishtaqs is replicated on chamfered corner areas as well. The design is completely symmetrical on all sides of the building. Four minarets, one at each corner of the plinth, facing the chamfered corners, frame the tomb. The main chamber houses the false sarcophagi of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan; their actual graves are at a lower level.
39. Cluster Floor plan Carving on the outside pishtaqs Calligraphy on large pishtaq Base, dome, and minaret
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