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Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque

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Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque (Syria)

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The Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque, located in close proximity to the Umayyad Mosque in the Old City of Damascus, is dedicated to the youngest daughter of Imam Husayn ibn Ali. Ruqayya, also known as Sukayna, passed away as a young child in 680 AD after being brought to Damascus as a captive following the Battle of Karbala. The current building was completed in 1985 in a distinct Persian architectural style and stands out due to the extraordinary splendor of its interior decoration. Particularly notable is the extensive use of mirror-work mosaics, which reflect light in a thousand directions, creating a mystical atmosphere within the sanctuary. The exterior facades are adorned with fine ceramic tiles featuring floral motifs and calligraphic inscriptions in lively blue and gold tones. As a significant religious center, the mosque attracts pilgrims from across the Islamic world who come here to honor the Prophet's great-granddaughter and pray in silence.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C561014192426262319117
Rain mm6957291871002133557

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque is open to worshippers and visitors, but non-Muslims may have restrictions. Modest dress and removing shoes are required. The shrine is inside.
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Typical hours
The mosque is usually open from early morning until late evening, with breaks during prayer times. Non-prayer hours are best for visiting.
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Photography
Photography inside may be restricted; ask on site. The mirror mosaics are stunningly beautiful.
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Time needed
About 30 minutes to an hour is enough for a visit. The atmosphere invites lingering.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with the Umayyad Mosque and other historic sites in Damascus. The old city with its markets is also nearby.
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Getting there
The mosque is located in central Damascus, near Sayyidah Ruqayya Square. It is accessible by taxi or on foot.
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Insider tip
Visit the mosque on a weekday morning to avoid crowds. Women should cover their hair and wear a long skirt.

Geography

Coordinates
33.51350, 36.30800

Facts

  • Ruqayya bint Husayn died in captivity at the age of approximately four.
  • The building was constructed in 1985 by Iranian architects and craftsmen.
  • The mosque is located only a few hundred meters from the Al-Hamidiyah Souq.
  • The sanctuary features a lavish silver-plated Zarih sarcophagus at its center.
  • The mirror-work inside covers almost all walls and the interior of the dome.
  • Kufic calligraphic inscriptions at the portals quote verses from the Quran.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Mausoleum of SaladinMausoleum of Saladin<1 km · SWExplore →
Al-Adawi ZooAl-Adawi Zoo1 km · EExplore →
Tekkiye MosqueTekkiye Mosque2 km · SExplore →
Tishreen ParkTishreen Park4 km · SExplore →
Al-Jalaa ParkAl-Jalaa Park5 km · SExplore →
Mount QasiounMount Qasioun6 km · SEExplore →
Sayyidah Zaynab MosqueSayyidah Zaynab Mosque7 km · NWExplore →
Happy Land Amusement ParkHappy Land Amusement Park10 km · NWExplore →

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Sights in the town Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque (6)

Aqsab Mosque⛪ religious

This historic Mamluk-era mosque is located just outside the city walls and is known for its stonework.

Bab Assalam🛡️ fortress

The 'Gate of Peace' is a significant Ayyubid-period structure located in the northern city wall.

Bab al-Faradis🛡️ fortress

The 'Gate of the Orchards' is an ancient city gate of Roman origin that used to lead to the fertile gardens along the Barada river.

Al-Tawba mosque⛪ religious

This mosque, built in the 13th century by the Ayyubid Sultan al-Ashraf, is known for its distinctive square minaret.

Fardoos Mosque📍 landmark

A peaceful mosque in the historic district, notable for its classic Islamic architecture and calm prayer hall.

Alfarook Mosque📍 landmark

This mosque is an integral part of local religious life, characterized by its simple and functional design.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Sayyida-Ruqayya Mosque?
A beautiful, modern-styled shrine in the old city of Damascus.
What is special about the decor?
The magnificent mirror mosaics are absolutely impressive.
Can one enter the building?
Yes, open to respectful visitors outside prayer times.
How to dress?
Conservative clothing is mandatory.
Is it easy to find?
Yes, it is easily accessible in the old city.
Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque: where is it located?
Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque is located in Syria.
Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque: what is there to see?
Highlights include Aqsab Mosque, Bab Assalam, Bab al-Faradis.
Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque: why is it worth visiting?
The Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque, located in close proximity to the Umayyad Mosque in the Old City of Damascus, is dedicated to the youngest daughter of Imam Husayn ibn Ali.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Damascus — Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque (Syria)
Damascus
Damascus is the capital of Syria and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

History & landmarks

Mausoleum of Saladin — Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque (Syria)
Mausoleum of Saladin
The final resting place of the famous Ayyubid Sultan Saladin, located in a small garden next to the Umayyad Mosque.
Azem Palace — Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque (Syria)
Azem Palace
The Azem Palace in the Old City of Damascus was built in 1749 as the residence of the Ottoman governor and is a masterpiece of Islamic ar…
Khan As&#39;ad Pasha — Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque (Syria)
Khan As'ad Pasha
The largest caravanserai in the Old City of Damascus, famous for its spectacular nine domes and striped stone facade.
Bab Sharqi — Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque (Syria)
Bab Sharqi
One of the ancient city gates of Damascus and the only one that still retains its original Roman appearance with three arches.
Hejaz Railway Station — Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque (Syria)
Hejaz Railway Station
The historic terminal station in Damascus, famous for its richly decorated ceiling and impressive stained-glass windows.
Tekkiye Mosque — Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque (Syria)
Tekkiye Mosque
An impressive Ottoman mosque complex in Damascus, designed by the famous architect Mimar Sinan in the 16th century.
National Museum of Damascus — Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque (Syria)
National Museum of Damascus
Syria's most important archaeological museum, presenting millennia of history from prehistoric times to the Islamic era.

More places

Umayyad Mosque — Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque (Syria)
Umayyad Mosque
Built in the 8th century, this mosque in Damascus rests on the foundations of a Roman temple.
Temple of Jupiter — Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque (Syria)
Temple of Jupiter
Remains of a gigantic Roman temple that once dominated the center of Damascus.
Citadel of Damascus — Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque (Syria)
Citadel of Damascus
A completely flat-level citadel built not on a hill but at the same elevation as the rest of the old city.
Al-Adawi Zoo — Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque (Syria)
Al-Adawi Zoo
An urban zoo in Damascus that is a popular excursion destination for school classes and families with children.
Tishreen Park — Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque (Syria)
Tishreen Park
One of the largest public parks in Damascus, providing a green oasis in the heart of the bustling capital.
Al-Jalaa Park — Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque (Syria)
Al-Jalaa Park
A well-known sports and leisure park in Damascus, providing facilities for various outdoor activities.
Mount Qasioun — Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque (Syria)
Mount Qasioun
Mount Qasioun rises directly above Damascus, offering an unparalleled panoramic view of the entire capital city.