Jerusalem, Gateway to Paradise

The paper discusses the purpose and original function of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. It also examines its mosaics in light of two Quranic passages (Q 43/70–73 and Q 54/54–55), concluding that the Caliph ʿAbdalmalik intended to illustrate Miḥrāb Sulaymān by presenting the views of Paradise – as it is promised to the believers by the Holy Qur’ān – in a place that was equally important for Jews, Christians and Muslims.