Great Omari Mosque of Lod, 13th-century mosque in Lod, Israel.
The Great Omari Mosque is a mosque in Lod with high walls, a vaulted cross-shaped ceiling, and architectural elements spanning several historical periods. The courtyard rests on foundations from an ancient church wall, making the layering of different construction phases visible throughout the structure.
A sultan ordered the conversion of a former Crusader church into this mosque in 1268, incorporating parts of the original Byzantine basilica. The structure shows how a Christian building was repurposed under Islamic rule and adapted for continued use over the centuries.
The mosque stands next to the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George, showing centuries of shared religious space in Lod's heart. Different faith communities inhabit this area, and both buildings reflect the layered identity of the city.
The mosque entrance is on the north side and leads to a courtyard. Visitors should know that shoes must be removed before entering the prayer hall and modest clothing is required.
A pillar inside the prayer hall bears Greek inscriptions that document the building's transformation from a Byzantine church to an Islamic mosque. These inscriptions serve as physical evidence of how the place retained its function while its religious identity changed.
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