Fragment of a pillar. From Harran, Islamic (Umayyad), first half of the 8th century.
The Umayyad caliph Merwan II (744-750) made Harran his favorite residence and capital city.

The style and motifs (grapevine) of the sculpted decoration are strongly influenced by 5th-6th century Byzantine examples, which are themselves tributary to 3th century Roman art. This stylistic connection can be noticed in Umayyad architecture in general.

Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen.
Sources: ‘Agon Cultuur reisgidsen’ – M.Mehling, 1989 & Wikipedia.