Umayyad architecture

Umayyad architecture, developed during the Umayyad Caliphate (661–750 AD), is characterized by grand scale and impressive structures that blend Roman, Byzantine, and local styles. Notable features include large domes, extensive use of arches, intricate decorative mosaics, and expansive courtyards. Key examples like the Great Mosque of Damascus showcase symmetrical layouts and a focus on grandeur meant to demonstrate Islamic cultural strength. The architecture emphasizes verticality and openness, often with richly decorated spaces that combine geometric and floral designs, reflecting both religious significance and artistic sophistication of the era.