Gaziantep Carpets Adorn the Umayyad Mosque
Renovation Works Completed at Historical Umayyad Mosque in Damascus
After the fall of the Baath regime on December 8, 2024, renovation and maintenance works were commenced at the Historical Umayyad Mosque in Damascus. One of the significant changes made during the restoration was the installation of meticulously prepared carpets by the masters of Gaziantep.
The old carpets in the open areas of the mosque were replaced with new ones featuring traditional motifs and authentic colors. Muhammad Bilun, the muezzin who has served at the Umayyad Mosque for 43 years, expressed his satisfaction with the carpet change and restoration efforts in the mosque.
Bilun mentioned that the last carpet change was back in 2006, and it was necessary due to the deteriorated condition of the old carpets. He highlighted the contribution of the new carpets to the aesthetic appeal of the mosque, saying, “The colors are beautiful, the texture is pleasant, and it is quite comfortable. God bless those who contributed.”
Abıla Fatta, a 31-year-old volunteer involved in cleaning the carpets at the Umayyad Mosque, expressed excitement about witnessing the change for the first time. Fatta remarked that with the recent improvements, Ramadan in Damascus will be a completely different experience from previous years.
Muhammad al-Bekai from Damascus emphasized the significance of the Umayyad Mosque as a representation of the city’s civilization and heritage. He mentioned that the completion of the renovation works will provide a warm welcome to Ramadan in Damascus.
The Umayyad Mosque, constructed in 715 by the Umayyad caliph Walid, stands as one of the oldest and most important mosques in the Islamic world. Throughout history, the mosque has undergone multiple repairs to maintain its status as a religious and cultural center in Damascus.
