2018-05-10 Thu

The 60P Postage stamp from Syria depicts the one of its important cultural heritage site, Khalid Ibn al-Walid Mosque. It is located in the Khaldiya district of Homs, the third largest city in Syria.

The Mosque has been located at this site since 1265 CE. It is dedicated to and holds the mausoleum of Khalid Ibn Al-Walid, a military commander who led Islamic conquest of Syria in the seventh century, putting an end to Byzantine rule in the region.

The current building was constructed in the 20th century and is noted for its Ottoman architectural style. It contains a large courtyard and the walls are decorated in alternating bands of black and white stones. The minarets and the window frames are made of white limestone. The building's metal central dome is silver in colour and reflects sunlight. It is supported by four massive columns, built in Mamluk ablaq style. In addition to the large central dome, there are nine smaller domes.

The body of Khalid Ibn al-Walid was stored in a wooden sarcophagus carved with Kufic inscriptions and quoting the verses of Quran. During the renovation, the sarcophagus was moved to the National Museum of Damascus.

Image Courtesy: Google Images