Damascus under the Ommeyades became one of the most beautiful cities of the world and the metropolis of the Islamic Empire . Upon the abdication of Hassan , Muawiyah became the fact ruler of the Islamic Empire . The seat of government which Ali had fixed at Kufa was now removed to Damascus where Muawiyah surrounded himself with the pomp and pageantry of the Persian and
Byzantine
monarchs . Muawiyah was astute , unscrupulous , clear-headed , and pitiless . He was the founder of the Ommeyades Dynasty and applied himself with assiduity to the good government of the Empire . His rule was prosperous and peaceful at home and successful abroad .
The Ommeyades were thoroughly touched by the magnificent churches and the dainty places in the Byzantine cities . Therefore , they imitated this architecture modifying it . Later , they adopted the Islamic art with its own particular style which can be seen in the Great Mosque in Damascus . Their fine taste can be seen in architecture , drawings and ornaments . And generally speaking , the Islamic Empire reached its zenith in the time of the Ommeyades .
)
)
