Al Mansouri Great Mosque — Attraction in Tripoli

I would like to provide some information and history about Al Mansouri Mosque: The Al Mansouri Great Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Tripoli, is a historical and architectural landmark in Tripoli.

Construction: It was the first building to be erected in Mamluk Tripoli, it was built between 1294 and 1298. Its construction was ordered by Sultan al-Ashraf Khalil, son of al-Mansur Qalawun, who had conquered Tripoli from the Crusaders in 1289. The mosque's courtyard arcades were around 15 years later added by al-Ashraf Khalil's brother, al-Nasir Muhammad, in 1314.

As you can tell, the mosque is named after al-Mansur Qalawun, the Mamluk sultan who captured the city.

Also to know: The mosque was built on the ruins of a Crusader church. Some elements from the original church, such as the main entrance gate and the minaret, were incorporated into the new mosque.

Style: The mosque is a prime example of Mamluk architecture, characterized by its simple, organized design.

Layout: The mosque is a large complex, covering an area of approximately 50 by 60 meters. It has a central courtyard with a fountain for ablution. The prayer hall is on the south side.

Prayer Hall: The prayer hall has seven large doors and consists of seven arches inside. It contains two mihrabs (prayer niches) and a wooden minbar (pulpit) from the...

One of the most beautiful mosques in the country. It is a typical mosque that has a squared-shaped yard in its heart! Its entrances will lead you to different souks specialized by various items, i.e. Gold market, spices market, etc. this is because this mosque's yard was the union place of people from where they go to buy things after each prayer. So the mosque was supposed to be in the middle of the vibrant heart of Tripoli. In addition, its design is...

Very old and beautiful mosque, you need to cover your hair to get it, women and men share the same entry, you can go inside the mosque (take your shoes off). I was surprised because right after maghrib prayer (5.24pm) (there were only two women inside the mosque and they were both still praying), the responsible man told us that we need to leave because he was closing the mosque. I am not used to mosques getting closed just right after...