Sheikh Ali al-Bakka Mosque

Sheikh Ali al-Bakka Mosque has a rectangular floor plan with a distinctive hexagonal minaret shaft that rises above the building. An arched passageway connects to the courtyard where worshippers gather for prayer.

The structure was founded in 1282 under Sultan al-Mansur Qalawun by Husam ad-Din Turuntay, who served as the sultan's representative in Jerusalem. Its minaret, built by Sayf al-Din Salar before 1310, reflects the architectural language of the Mamluk period.

The mosque honors Sheikh Ali al-Bakka, an Iraqi Sufi teacher whose following drew believers to this place. Visitors come here to pray and experience the spiritual connection that locals maintain with his memory.

Visitors pass through the entry corridor to reach the courtyard, which is the main area for worship. The site is accessible on foot, though the surrounding Old City streets are narrow and require careful navigation.

The building today blends medieval sections with modern additions built in 1978 to keep the mosque in active use. This combination allows visitors to see how older structures are adapted for contemporary worship.

Location: Hebron

Inception: 1282

Architectural style: Mamluk architecture

GPS coordinates: 31.52842,35.10374

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:01