DAMASCUS, THE PEARL OF THE DESERT 



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SHRINE TO JOHN THE BAPTIST IN THE GREAT MOSQUE AT DAMASCUS 



The most costly shrine in Damascus, supposed to cover the place where the head of 

 John the Baptist was interred, after being unearthed by one of the Saracen heroes of 

 Damascus. It is revered alike by Christians and Mohammedans, but the latter claim the 

 privilege of keeping it in good repair. Note the rugs. 



interior, which is quite 300 feet long, has 

 a very imposing appearance, the numer- 

 ous huge columns on either side adding 

 materially to its grandeur. These col- 

 umns, each 20 feet high, were all quar- 

 ried in and brought from the adjacent 

 mountains of Lebanon, and, for finish 

 and workmanship, speak well for the 

 ability of the Damascus stone mason. 

 The floor of the mosque is usually 

 covered with costly and beautiful rugs, 



the gifts of rich Mohammedans from all 

 parts of the Orient. 



On entering this magnificent place of 

 worship the eye is at once attracted by 

 an imposing and elaborately decorated 

 structure that has a place between two 

 of the massive columns near the center 

 of the building. On inquiry you will be 

 told that it is the tomb of John the Bap- 

 tist's head, a shrine respected alike by 

 Mohammedans and Christians. 



