Fatal stampede at Umayyad Mosque in Damascus claims three lives VIDEO

Three women have tragically lost their lives in a stampede at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus on January 10 during the first Friday prayer after liberation, according to a statement issued by White Helmets (Syria Civil Defence).

In addition to the fatalities, five children sustained fractures and severe injuries, with some left unconscious, authorities reported in an initial toll, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The stampede occurred during a crowded event organized by civilians, the statement explained.

"Our teams, alongside other responders, intervened swiftly, administering first aid to a young girl and recovering the body of a woman from the mosque," the statement added.

The incident has left the local community in shock as emergency services continue their efforts to assist the injured.

To recall, the Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus, stands as one of the world’s largest and oldest mosques, reflecting centuries of architectural and cultural evolution. Situated in the heart of the ancient city of Damascus, the mosque's origins trace back to the Arab conquest of 634, when a basilica dedicated to Prophet John was converted into a mosque under Abu Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah. For 70 years, it served as a shared space for both Christians and Muslims.

The mosque, renowned for its architectural innovations, features a central dome and stunning mosaics depicting cities and buildings. It also introduced public lavatories to the Islamic world. In addition to its architectural marvels, the mosque houses sacred relics, including the head of Prophet John (peace be upon him), and the tomb of Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi.

Originally a Roman temple dedicated to Jupiter, the site underwent several transformations, including a conversion into St. John’s Church in 391 A.D. It was in 706 that Umayyad Caliph al-Walid I initiated the construction of the mosque, which was completed in 714 with the help of Byzantine craftsmen, marking a monumental achievement in Islamic architecture.

Umayyad Mosque, a symbol of Islamic architectural heritage, owes much of its preservation to the Ottoman Empire. Following a devastating fire in 1894 during Sultan Abdulhamid II’s reign, Ottoman artisans were dispatched from Istanbul to restore the mosque. Their meticulous work on the columns and roof ensured the mosque's architectural integrity was preserved.

The restoration combined traditional Islamic craftsmanship with Ottoman architectural techniques, demonstrating the empire’s dedication to cultural preservation. Today, the mosque stands as a beacon of religious and cultural coexistence, with its timeless design continuing to inspire visitors worldwide. The Umayyad Mosque remains a testament to Damascus’ enduring legacy as a cradle of civilization.

الدّفاع المدني السوري: 3 قــ.تلى وإصابات جراء تدافع في المسجد الأموي في دمشق.#دمشق #المسجد_الأموي #سوريا #ليبانوس pic.twitter.com/idjjZSqVlH

— Lebanos (@lebanosnews) January 10, 2025

By Aghakazim Guliyev