following Nasir-i-Khusrau; courtesy of Yad Ben Zvi The Mosque was newly constructed and lavishly decorated by Ad-Dahir (1034-1036 CE). Its dimensions were reduced on its east-west axis, and on the north an elongated vestibule (narthex) was built. Columns and pilasters divided the building into a central nave flanked by three stoas; some of the columns had survived and are incorporated in today's building. The tympanum was decorated by splendid mosaics, similar to those of the Dome of the Rock. Against a gold background the patterns are in hues of blue and green tendrils sprouting out of amphoras and acanthus leaves surrounded by wreaths.