Great Mosque of Raqqa
Ar Raqqah
The Great Mosque of Raqqa, also known as Al-Qadim Mosque, is an ancient Islamic site located in the northern part of Raqqa's city center. Constructed in 772 CE under the Abbasid caliph al-Mansur, it features a large rectangular plan with thick mud brick walls and semi-circular towers at its corners. The mosque’s prayer hall façade, adorned with eleven arches, was renovated in 1165 CE by Nur ad-Din Zangi. While much of the mosque lies in ruins today, its 25-meter baked brick minaret remains standing. Historically, the mosque included a small shrine dedicated to Wabisa ibn Ma'bad al-Asadi, a companion of Muhammad, although this was destroyed in recent conflicts. The mosque's courtyard once served as a cemetery for residents unable to reach other burial grounds. The structure's architectural details include stucco decoration and arcades supported by cylindrical piers, reflecting Abbasid design principles. Despite damage during the Syrian conflict, the mosque remains a significant cultural and historical monument representing early Islamic architecture in Syria.
Plan your trip to Syria with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visitors should consider the ongoing security situation in Raqqa and consult local sources before planning a visit. The best time to visit is during daylight hours for safety and visibility. Due to the mosque's ruinous condition, access may be limited, and arranging guided tours through local authorities or cultural organizations is recommended. There are no known ticketing requirements, but respecting the site's cultural and religious significance is essential.
Interesting facts
- •The mosque's baked brick minaret stands 25 meters tall and is one of the few surviving structures of the original building.
- •The prayer hall façade with eleven arches was added during a 12th-century renovation by Nur ad-Din Zangi.
- •The mosque's courtyard served as a cemetery for residents unable to access other burial sites.
- •An Ottoman-period shrine built in 1836 CE, dedicated to Wabisa ibn Ma'bad al-Asadi, was destroyed between 2013 and 2014 during ISIS control.
- •The mosque's walls are made of mud bricks with semi-circular buttress towers, a typical Abbasid architectural feature.
History
The Great Mosque of Raqqa was founded in 772 CE during the Abbasid Caliphate under al-Mansur.
It underwent significant renovation in 1165 CE by Nur ad-Din Zangi, who added the prayer hall's eleven arches.
The mosque originally included a shrine dedicated to Wabisa ibn Ma'bad al-Asadi, a notable Islamic figure.
Over centuries, the mosque served as a religious and community center.
In modern times, particularly during ISIS control starting in 2013, the mosque suffered damage including the destruction of the Ottoman-era shrine.
Further damage occurred in 2017 during military operations by Syrian Democratic Forces.
Today, the mosque stands mostly in ruins but remains a symbol of Raqqa’s Islamic heritage.