Acre (Akko) is a port city in northwest Israel, on the Mediterranean coast. A city with many amazing historical and religious sites. But in my personal opinion, one of the most interesting sites in Acre is the Al-Jazzar Mosque (is named after the Ottoman Bosnian governor Ahmad Pasha el-Jazzar (“the Butcher”). Also referred to as the Jama El-Basha (the Pasha’s Mosque) or Jama El-Anwar (the Mosque of Lights).
Why do I find this an interesting site – well because this is Israel’s largest mosque outside of Jerusalem and the largest among the mosques built in Israel during the Turkish/Ottaman period. This building dominates Acre’s skyline with its enormous green domes and minaret. The site was under restoration for the past two years and can now be visited.
The Mosque is active and prayers are held here 5 times a day. At the entrance to the compound there is a beautiful round water fountain built here during the Ottoman Period.
The main courtyard covered with marble surrounded with greenery. The Mosque itself is in the middle of the courtyard – white with its green domes.The facade is covered with marble imported from Italy and it is said that the columns are from the ancient city – Caesarea.
Sometimes you are allowed to view the inside of the Mosque only from the doorway – and we should all respect this request.
The interior of this Mosque is an outstanding example of décor from the Ottoman Period – mihrab (niche), Minbar (pulpit), stain glass windows, oriental carpets and passages from the Koran inscribed on the walls.
Tips: This site is not open freely to the public. You can try and show up at the entrance, but it’s better and more proper to reserve your visit. To do so, call +972-49913039. There is a small entrance fee – and you will be required to respect and cover your legs, shoulders and heads.
I think that a visit to this site will clearly be one of the highlights of your visit to the amazing Acre!
#TeamChallenge,
@uavalentine @Avsha , @Napplbaum, @Natureexplorer, @Smad
Napplbaum #TeamIsrael 