قبة الخزينة أو قبة الزيت في المسجد النبوي : دراسة تاريخية أثرية

Abstract EN

The Holy Mosque of Medina occupies a place of great importance in the Muslim world; it is the second of the two holy mosques and the reward of praying in it is equal to that of a thousand prayers in other mosques except the Holy Mosque in Mecca.

Constructed by the seal of the prophets Muhammad and his revered companions, it is where numerous chapters of the Quran were revealed, and between its pillars was designated "al Rawda" a Garden of Paradise.

Many of the Prophet's sayings were narrated within the Mosque where the Prophet would discuss with his companions affairs of the religion and the world.

Later, the Mosque became the nucleus of the first Islamic State, forming the base for the first battles and conquests of Islamic history.

Within its walls, the prophet welcomed the ambassadors of various states and tribes.

And finally, it is the final resting place of the Blessed Prophet and his companions Abu Bakr and Omar.

In view of the Mosque's significant religious, spiritual and historical status, caliphs, kings, and even common people over the span of fourteen centuries have been deeply invested in its construction, expansion, decoration, cleanliness and service.

This paper is a historical and archaeological study of an architectural phenomenon introduced to the haram piazza of the Prophet's Mosque during the Abbasid era known as “Dome of the Treasury” or “Dome of Oil” or “Dome of Wax”.

This study deals with the origins of the dome, its function, description, and the most prominent changes brought upon it until its disappearance.

To achieve these objectives, the researcher tracked mentions of the dome by historians and travelers in addition to Muslim and foreign geographers.

The research also includes an extensive study of some Islamic manuscripts and drawings made by foreign travelers that depicted the most prominent architectural features of the dome.

In addition, it presents an account of the most eminent examples of domes of treasury and oil that were erected in the courtyards of various mosques in the Arab world.

The paper begins with an introduction, the central topic of the study, its importance and objectives, then proceeds with research terminology, method of research, previous studies as well as research procedures and ends with an analysis of the most important conclusions drawn by the author of the study.