Dome of the Spirits

The Dome of the Spirits or Dome of the Tablets (Arabic:, transliteration: Kubbat Al Arvah) is a small dome resting on a hexagonal base.

Dome of the spirits

Several theories exist concerning the name of this building; it could be associated with the proximity of the cave of the spirits or according to a legend, the souls of the deads will be gathered there for prayers.[1]

Its other name, Dome of Tablets, comes from the Tablets of Stone, kept in the Ark of the Covenant.[2]

It was built in the tenth century.[3]

The Dome of the Spirits (Kubbat Al-Arvah) or The Dome of the Tablets

Structure of the monument

The Dome of the Spirits is a small octagonal dome located on the Dome of the Rock’s courtyard. It is based on eight marble columns attached to eight arches carrying the dome’s drum. This is a small dome resting on a hexagonal base.

Location of the monument

The Dome of the Sprits is located north-west of the Dome of the Rock (Kubbat al-Sakhra) and opposite of the Bab al-Rahmah (The Gate of Mercy) in al-Aqsa enclave. It is located close to the Dome of al-Khidr.

History of the structure

It was probably built during Umayyad period because Ibn al-Faqih al-Hamadani (3-4H/9-10th century) in his Mukhtasar Kitab al-Buldan mentioned that there was a dome in al-Aqsa enclave called Kubbat Jibril (Dome of Gabriel). Then it was called Kubbat al-Ruh and Kubbat al-Arvah (Dome of the Spirits). It was probably rebuilt during the 10th century AH/16th century AC during the Ottoman period.[4]

Meaning of the name

Several theories exist concerning the name of this building. It was called the “Spirits Dome” because of its close location to a cave called the “Spirits Cave”. It could be associated with the proximity of the cave of the spirits or according to a legend, the souls of the deads will be gathered there for prayers.[5] Its other name, the Dome of Tablets, comes from the tablets of the Stone, alleged kept in the Ark of the Covenant in Biblical tradition. The Dome of the Spirits stands above exposed bedrock on the “Temple Mount” in Jewish tradition and it is just a little lower that es-Sakhra which is under the Dome of the Rock. Asher S. Kaufman takes the view that alleged Herod’s Temple (the second temple) was located over the “Dome of the Tablets”, also known as the Dome of the Spirits.[6] This Islamic structure are suggested to be connected with the Holy of Holies of alleged the Jewish Temple. According to some sources “The Temple in Jerusalem” was not located over the Dome of Tablets.[7]


References
  1. https://qudsinfo.com/en/pics/dome-of-the-spirits/
  2. "Dome of the Tablets". July 22, 2017.
  3. "Dome of the Spirits". Islamic Landmarks. September 21, 2014.
  4. [Hadi, Mahdi Abdul, 2013. “Al-Aqsa Mosque Al-Haram Ash-Sharif.” Palestinian Academic Society for the Study of International Affairs, PASSIA. Supported by TİKA. https://www.tika.gov.tr/upload/2016/INGILIZCE%20SITE%20ESERLER/TANITIM%20BRO%C5%9E%C3%9CRLER%C4%B0/PDF/Haram-Ash-sharief-Final-En_2013.pdf
  5. [https://qudsinfo.com/en/pics/dome-of-the-spirits/
  6. [Kaufman, Asher S, 2004. “The Temple Mount: Where is the Holy of Holies” Har YErA Eh Press.
  7. [https://www.bible.ca/archeology/bible-archeology-jerusalem-temple-mount-dome-of-tablets.htm

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