Queen Arwa Mosque
Ibb
The Queen Arwa Mosque, located in Jibla, Yemen, is one of the oldest and most significant ancient mosques in the country. Constructed between 1056 and 1111 C.E. by Queen Arwa al-Sulayhi, it was originally the Palace of Dār al-ʿIzz before being converted into a mosque. The mosque reflects the Fatimid architectural style, featuring a rectangular complex with an open courtyard surrounded by four corridors. The northern hallway contains the qiblah wall with a simple yet intricately decorated mihrab adorned with kufic inscriptions and floral motifs. The mosque is notable for its wooden ceiling beams dating back to the 11th century, some renewed in the 14th century, and its two distinctive minarets located on the south-east and south-west corners. A significant feature is the mausoleum of Queen Arwa herself, situated at the north-west corner, separated from the mosque as per her will, and decorated with kufic floral engravings and biblical scripts. The mosque remains a site of pilgrimage and cultural heritage, symbolizing the influence and legacy of one of Yemen's most revered rulers.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to explore the mosque during daylight hours to fully appreciate its architectural details and the surrounding courtyard. It is recommended to arrange guided visits locally to gain deeper insights into the mosque’s history and significance. Modest attire is required as it is an active place of worship. Purchasing tickets or gaining entry does not usually require advance booking, but checking local access conditions beforehand is advisable.
Interesting facts
- •The mosque was originally a palace before conversion by Queen Arwa.
- •It features wooden ceiling beams dating back to the 11th century, some renewed in 1358.
- •The mihrab is decorated with kufic inscriptions including verses from the Quran and floral motifs.
- •The mosque has two minarets with a high square stone base and sixteen ribs.
- •The Queen’s mausoleum is separated from the mosque building as per her will and is adorned with kufic floral engravings and biblical scripts.
History
The mosque was commissioned by Queen Arwa al-Sulayhi, ruler of the Sulayhid state from 1085 to 1138, who moved to Jibla in 1087 and transformed the Palace of Dār al-ʿIzz into a mosque.
Its construction spanned from 1056 to 1111 C.E., reflecting the architectural and cultural influences of the Fatimid period.
Over centuries, the mosque has retained much of its original structure, including wooden ceiling beams, some renewed in 1358, and the mausoleum of Queen Arwa was built according to her will, remaining a pilgrimage site.
The mosque's historical significance is tied to Queen Arwa's reign and her contributions to Islamic architecture and Yemeni heritage.
Place Guide
Courtyard11th century
An open rectangular courtyard measuring approximately 17.8 by 20 meters, surrounded by four corridors, serving as the central space of the mosque complex.
Mihrab11th century
Located centrally on the northern qiblah wall, the mihrab is a simple cavity about 85 cm deep, topped with tapered lace and decorated with kufic inscriptions and floral and geometric motifs.
Wooden Ceiling Beams11th century and 1358 renewal
The mosque’s roof is supported by wooden beams dating back to the 11th century, some of which were renewed in 1358, showcasing traditional Yemeni craftsmanship.
Minarets11th century
Two minarets located on the south-east and south-west corners, with the eastern minaret featuring a high square stone base with sixteen ribs.
Mausoleum of Queen Arwa11th century
Situated at the north-west corner, the mausoleum is separated from the mosque building as per the Queen’s will, adorned with hollow niches and kufic floral engravings, serving as a pilgrimage site.
