Al-Bakiriyya Mosque, Ottoman mosque in Old Sana'a, Yemen
Al-Bakiriyya Mosque is an Ottoman structure in Old Sanaa featuring a large central dome above the prayer hall, surrounded by smaller domed sections and a prominent minaret. The building combines an open courtyard with a covered prayer area beneath this distinctive dome.
Governor Hasan Pasha commissioned the mosque in 1597, marking the growing presence of the Ottoman Empire in the region. This construction demonstrated the power and cultural influence of the empire over local architecture.
The mosque displays strong influence from Istanbul, with imported elements such as the minbar and mihrab that reflect the close connection between Yemen and the center of the Ottoman Empire.
The mosque serves as an active place of worship for the local community, so visitors should dress and behave respectfully. Certain times are better suited for non-Muslim visitors to explore than others.
The minaret and interior furnishings, including the minbar and mihrab, were directly imported from Istanbul and are rare examples of Ottoman craftsmanship in this area. These imported pieces show how significant this location was to the empire.
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