Dome of the Chain

Silsile Dome was built during the Umayyad period. It is the oldest building among 200 Islamic works in 144 acres of Masjid al-Aqsa. It is like an example of Kubbetus Sahara. The masters who made the Dome with the Golden dome first made this Silsile Dome, which is a small sample, and then they built the Dome of the Dome.
There are various rumors about this building located to the east of the Dome of the Sahara. The name of Zincirli Dome is just one of the names given to it. One of its features is that Masjid al-Aqsa points right in the middle. In some sources, Hz. It is written that this is the place where Solomon resolved the judicial events. It is the third largest building in the area of Masjid Al-Aqsa.
Kubbetü's Silsile is an open stone structure with two concentric rows of columns. Row columns on the inside consist of a total of six columns. There are round arches at the top of the columns. These arches bear a hexagonal drum covered with a lead and slightly elongated wooden dome. There are six windows supported by round arches on the drum. The hexagon is surrounded by a polygon consisting of eleven columns. These columns support almost full semicircular arches. There is a one-sided lead-covered wooden roof on it. Columns on both the inner and outer surfaces are connected by wooden connection beams placed on their heads. The overlaid wooden connection beams not only add a nice appearance to the building;At the same time, by following the construction technique that was applied in the region at that time, it responds to the structural needs. All seventeen columns of Kubbetü's Silsile can be viewed from any place at once. These columns have different styles with their foundations and capitals. In fact, these were taken from abandoned buildings from the Roman and Byzantine periods.
From an architectural perspective, this building has many surprising features. Because a multi-sided geometric form with eleven fronts is an unexpected choice. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to find another example of this in architecture. It is not easy to build such an amazing structure. Because, unlike structures with an even number of facades, it is difficult to estimate the size of each facade using simple planning methods. In addition, hexagonal or eleven-sided polygon forms rarely appear together in the same structure. It is impossible to encounter such a plan in Greek, Roman, Byzantine and even early Islamic works.
The answer to the question about what purpose Kubbetü's Silsile was built can be searched in the spatial definition of this building. Kubbetü's Silsile; Unlike Aksa Mosque and Dome of the Sahara, it is an open structure unlike all the buildings built by the Umayyads in the Masjid-i Aksa region. The climate conditions of Palestine made it necessary to resort to some solutions in buildings, such as verandas and porticoes. Such additions provide protection against rain and sun. Considering the shape, size (146 square meters) and general structure of Kubbetü's Silsile, it can be said that this place was built for the Caliph and the people accompanying him to spend time when he was not in Aksa Mosque or Kubbet's-Sahara.
To summarize, considering that it is covered with mosaics such as Kubbetü's-Sahara with its open structure, size and general plan, it can be suggested that the Caliph was built as a sheltered place or a veranda where the Caliph can spend time outdoors in the Masjid-i Aksa region.