Mahmoudiya Mosque, Ottoman mosque in Jaffa, Israel
Mahmoudiya Mosque is an Ottoman house of prayer in Jaffa featuring six domes, a single minaret, and a rectangular prayer hall divided into two sections with shallow domes. The complex is surrounded by residential spaces integrated into the structure, which shape how the building appears from street level.
The complex was founded in 1730 under Sheikh Muhammad al-Khalili and underwent major rebuilding between 1812 and the late 19th century. This development reflects both the religious importance of the location and the architectural shifts of that era.
The mosque incorporates Roman columns salvaged from ancient sites like Caesarea and Ascalon, visibly connecting different periods through its architecture. These reused elements show how a religious building at this location has drawn from and honored earlier civilizations.
Visitors can enter the building outside prayer times to observe its architectural details from inside, with the entrance located at the northeast corner of Old Jaffa. It helps to check prayer times beforehand to plan a respectful visit.
The exterior walls are partially concealed by shops built against them, yet the two domes and minaret remain clearly visible above street level. This appearance results from centuries of urban growth that has surrounded the original structure.
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