Umayyad Mosque, Damascus, Syria c. 1995. The Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus, located in the old city of Damascus, is one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world ⠀
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A legend dating to the sixth century holds that the building contains the head of John the Baptist. Two shrines commemorating Husayn ibn Ali , whose martyrdom is frequently compared to that of John the Baptist, exist within the building premises. The mosque is also believed to be the place where Jesus will return at the End of Days. The mausoleum containing the tomb of Saladin stands in a small garden adjoining the north wall of the mosque. ⠀
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