The Dome of the Rock is a stone masonry, constructed of a wooden roof, ceramic tile, a large

bronze dome, and complimented with mosaics. Also known as Qubbat al-Sakhra, this structure
was a Muslim shrine constructed in Haram al-Sharif Jerusalem, the highest land in Jerusalem.
The Dome of the Rock was constructed between 685 and 691 as the first Islamic building by
Abd al-Malik. The purpose of creating such a structure was a result of a religious icon during a
time of war. Within the center of the building stands a rock, which is said to be the exact location
Abraham was planning on scarifying his Isaac. Surrounding the rock are encompassing
ambulatories and a central colonnade, consisting of twelve columns holding up a two layered
dome (20 meters round). Through grilled windows in the drum, light flows onto the mosaics and
marble colonnades. The mosaics within the Dome of the Rock lack any human or animal figures.
The structure of the building seemingly draws inspiration from the Church of the Holy
Sepulcher, which emphasizes power over other faiths. Lastly, within the Dome of the Rock is an
inscription of a verse from the Qur’an.

The Great Mosque of Isfahan was constructed during the Islamic period in 700 AD in Isfahan
Iran. Created by Nizam al-Mulk and Taj al- Mulk, The Great Mosque of Isfahan is made of stone
brick, wood, plaster, and ceramic tile. Uniquely, the Mosque is centered in the old city, resulting
in it sharing walls with urban buildings. This caused it to become a gathering spot for many due
to its many entrances. A massive courtyard sits at the center of the mosque, connecting the four
iwans. Prayer sessions take place beneath brick piers and columns, distancing itself away from
the courtyard. Although the mosque consists of a simple exterior design, the interior is
geometrically driven. The Mosque consists of an oculus, circular sky openings to allow light to
flow through, while illuminating tile and brick. The iwan, on the southern side of the mosque,
has colorful tile, and is used for the main ruler. Furthermore, the domes represent political
power, as rulers such as Taj al-Mulk had one built under his own power.

One distinct difference between The Great Mosque of Isfahan and The Dome of the Rock, is that
The Dome of the Rock has a much more decorated exterior in comparison to The Great Mosque
of Isfahan. For example, the exterior of The Dome of the Rock consists of a gilt, aluminum, and
bronze dome that reflects the incoming light, illuminating the blue tile covering the outside of the
structure. Meanwhile, The Great Mosque of Isfahan is quite plain and simple with an exterior
consisting of earth colors. However, the Great Mosque has a central courtyard, while the Dome
of the Rock does not.
A similarity between the two structures is that they were both used as a religious gathering place.
This is important as it gives context to their iconography and architectural elements within its
walls. Due to the lack of electricity, the two structures have openings within walls and ceilings to
allow light to spill into the otherwise dark areas within. Furthermore, both have a dome structure
built upon the roofs, through a geometrical consistency and context.