Ummayad Mosque - Aleppo Syria

Aleppo Syria is an ancient city that lies in the northern part of Syria.  I have said it numerous times before and I will say it again that Aleppo is my favorite city on earth.  There are so many notable landmarks around the city and one of the most beautiful is the centrally located Ummayad Mosque.  Not only is this Mosque beautiful but it was one of the first mosques Lindsay and I experienced in the Middle East (aside form the blue Mosque in Istanbul which was much different from this one).  It is located in the heart of the old city and although it is pretty from the outside it is the inside that is truly breathtaking.  After making your way through the outer walls you enter the interior of the mosque which is an expansive open courtyard made entirely of marble laid out in beautiful patterns.  The courtyard is lined with hallways held up by columns which means the entire interior wall look like one large archway after another.  In the middle of the inner courtyard is a gazebo looking structure made entirely of stone with numerous feet washing stations (a key part of Islam worship).  Finally, there is a tall and ornate minaret that rises proudly into the sky from one corner of the structure.  In addition to the physical beauty of the Mosque there is a peaceful reverence throughout the entire complex.  Everyone who enters is required to remove their shoes which means almost the entire place is whisper quite.  Lindsay and I simply wandered around the mosque stopping occasionally to meditate, talk and appreciate the beautiful and peaceful surroundings.  This Mosque is also very memorable for us because it was the first time Lindsay was required to wear the full body burka from head to toe.  We laughed to ourselves because when I entered the mosque I was simply asked to remove my shoes.  When Lindsay entered she was quickly pulled aside and when she emerged she was in a full body brown burka (almost looked like a Potato sack).  She was such a good sport about it and was happy to respect the local religion.  The Ummayad Mosque in Aleppo Syria is truly one of the most beautiful and peaceful places we have ever been.  We both really hope to be able to visit it again someday.