Turkish delegation, led by president’s son, visits Umayyad Mosque in Damascus PHOTO / VIDEO

A Turkish delegation, headed by Bilal Erdoğan, son of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has visited the historic Umayyad Mosque in the Syrian capital, Damascus, this week.

The visit, which marks a notable diplomatic gesture, was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between Türkiye and Syria. Bilal Erdoğan was warmly welcomed by Damascus Governor Maher Marwan, who was accompanied by various government officials.

The visit has garnered attention due to the long-standing political and diplomatic tensions between the two countries. During the visit, part of the Umayyad Mosque, one of the most significant cultural and religious landmarks in Syria, was closed off for security and ceremonial purposes. 

This symbolic visit highlights growing diplomatic engagement between Türkiye and Syria, as the two nations work towards addressing regional concerns. This diplomatic gesture comes amid rising speculation about a potential visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Damascus. Reports suggest that Erdoğan may visit Syria on the first day of Ramadan, March 1, marking a significant moment in the broader context of the Türkiye-Syria relations. 

شاهد.. الرئيس السوري أحمد الشرع يدخل، قبل قليل، المسجد الأموي في دمشق لأداء صلاة الجمعة برفقة وفد تركي رفيع المستوى يرأسه بلال أردوغان نجل الرئيس التركي رجب طيب أردوغان. pic.twitter.com/UooFHkUpjy

— وكالة أنباء تركيا (@tragency1) February 28, 2025

The Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus, is one of the oldest and most significant religious structures in the world. Located in the heart of Damascus, Syria, it was originally built between 705 and 715 AD under the rule of the Umayyad Caliph al-Walid I. The mosque stands as a masterpiece of early Islamic architecture, blending elements from Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic designs. 

The mosque's historical and cultural importance is immense; it is considered one of the holiest sites in Islam. The shrine of John the Baptist, a revered figure in both Christianity and Islam, is believed to be housed within the mosque. Over the centuries, the mosque has been a centre for religious, political, and cultural activity, and it continues to be a major symbol of Syria's rich Islamic heritage.

By Naila Huseynova