The Umayyad Mosque and Political Symbolism in New Syria

Within the hallowed halls of the Umayyad Mosque, where the whispers of history intertwine with political murmurs, a subtle battle over Syria's post-2024 identity unfolds. What stood for centuries as a mere archaeological landmark witnessing civilizations' rise and fall has suddenly transformed into a platform for identity conflict and legitimacy-building in a war-weary nation.

From the pulpit of this ancient edifice, where caliphs and princes stood through the ages, victory speeches by the new leadership were delivered in December 2024 - a scene epitomizing the mosque's fundamental transformation from a place of worship to a vehicle for contemporary political discourse.

Invoking the Past to Shape the Future

Amidst major transformations, Syria is rediscovering its identity by evoking the glories of the Umayyad state - not as nostalgia for a bygone era, but as a roadmap for a possible future. Damascus, once the capital of the first Islamic state stretching from China's borders to southern France, now seeks to reclaim its role in a turbulent regional landscape.

Battles on Historic Walls and the Identity of Place

Beneath the mosque's domes, in its hidden corners, an existential battle rages - transcending the struggle over stones to a conflict over meaning. The Christian baptismal font that witnessed civilizations' succession, and the Greek inscriptions bearing history's imprints, have become arenas for identity conflicts. The mosque has witnessed numerous attempts to transform it into a sectarian tool through imported rituals and foreign symbols, seeking to erase its inclusive character.

The Return of John of Damascus: Model of Authentic Coexistence

Amid these storms, the name of John of Damascus emerges from history's depths to offer a model for new Syrians. This man, who served as finance minister in the Umayyad caliphate despite being Christian, embodies the essence of Syrian identity based on merit and pluralism. He reminds us that great Syria was built through openness and utilizing talents regardless of affiliations.

Liberation: A Journey of Self-Discovery

The moment of "liberation" wasn't merely about reclaiming space, but a journey discovering lost Syrian identity. As Syrians wandered through their mosque's corridors after years of deprivation, they rediscovered their identity layer by layer. The Hall of Honor once reserved for elites, the manuscripts long imprisoned in storage - all became public property. The restoration process wasn't just about repairing stones, but rebuilding the wounded Syrian spirit.

Challenges: The Allure of the Past and Future Demands

However, the journey of seeking identity in museums of the past carries grave risks. Evoking Umayyad glories resembles navigating a minefield of existential questions: How do we draw inspiration from the past without falling into blind imitation? How do we transform historical symbols into future projects without them becoming sectarian tools?

The specter of "selective reading" haunts this project, as the Umayyad state witnessed stunning civilizational achievements but also suffered bloody conflicts and deep divisions. The greater challenge lies in bridging the gap between the historical caliphate model and modern state requirements, and how to translate historical tolerance discourse into realistic policies accommodating contemporary Syria's diversity.

Between Past and Future: The Bridge and Workshop

Today, the Umayyad Mosque stands as a bridge between Syria's past, present, and future. In its stones lie secrets of religious coexistence, in its domes shine the aspirations of a nation seeking its identity. It is not merely a building, but a vessel of collective memory and a workshop for crafting the future.

The existential question remains: Can Syria draw lessons from the past without remaining captive to it? Can symbolism be transformed from a conflict tool into a reconciliation bridge? The answer lies in the ability to turn history's stones into building blocks for a future that accommodates everyone.

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This article is edited from an in-depth academic study by Mohamed Hamdan on the transformations of political symbolism of the Umayyad Mosque in contemporary Syria.