JB118491 Mosaics on the West portico, 8th century (mosaic) by Byzantine School, (8th century); Umayyad Mosque, Damascus, Syria; (add.info.: known as the \'Barada\' frieze this may depict Paradise (Firdaus) or the city of Damascus with the Barada river flowing below; the Caliph Al Walid is said to have used borrowed Byzantine craftsmen and mosaicists muslim;); 穢 John Bethell; out of copyright.