The Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus, is one of the most important and oldest mosques in the world. It is located in the old city of Damascus, Syria, and dates back to the early Islamic era.

The mosque was built on the site of a Christian basilica dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, and construction began in 706 CE under the Umayyad caliph al-Walid I. The mosque was completed in 715 CE under the reign of his successor, al-Walid II.

The mosque's architecture reflects a mix of styles, as it has been added to and renovated several times over the centuries. The most prominent feature of the mosque is its massive square minaret, which stands at a height of 77 meters and is visible from miles away.

The interior of the mosque is decorated with intricate mosaics and calligraphy, including some of the oldest surviving examples of Arabic calligraphy in the world. The mosque also contains the tomb of Saladin, the Muslim general who defeated the Crusaders in the 12th century.

The Umayyad Mosque has played an important role in Islamic history, serving as a center for worship, learning, and political gatherings. It has survived earthquakes, fires, and wars over the centuries and remains a symbol of Syria's cultural and religious heritage.