Anas Ben Malek Mosque

“Lost in the heart of Jerusalem, isn’t it?” a voice whispers. You turn and see an old man, his eyes twinkling. He gestures towards the Anas Ben Malek Mosque. “A quiet sanctuary, nestled within the grand embrace of the Haram al-Sharif.” The Anas Ben Malek Mosque stands as a testament to centuries of faith and resilience. It is also known as the Qibli Mosque or Qibli Chapel. This name references its southern location within the larger Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. The mosque’s history is intertwined with the very foundations of the Haram al-Sharif. Built upon an artificial platform supported by arches constructed by Herod’s engineers, it echoes the site’s ancient past. The Anas Ben Malek Mosque has seen empires rise and fall. It has witnessed conquests and earthquakes. The mosque we see today largely retains the 11th-century outline designed by the Fatimid caliph al-Zahir. He reduced the mosque to seven aisles. But he also adorned its interior with a magnificent central archway, covered in vibrant vegetal mosaics. Imagine the skilled artisans, meticulously placing each tiny piece to create this breathtaking masterpiece. Al-Zahir’s renovations also included a grand mosaic program for the dome’s drum and the pendentives. These mosaics, a revival of Umayyad architectural traditions, depict a luxurious garden. They feature intricate patterns of peacock eyes, stars, and palm fronds. The Anas Ben Malek Mosque’s rich history continues into the modern era. In the 20th century, the Supreme Muslim Council commissioned restorations. These renovations included reinforcing the ancient Umayyad foundations. They also involved restoring the arches, rebuilding the southern wall, and replacing timber with concrete. Interestingly, the renovations also uncovered hidden treasures. Fatimid-era mosaics and inscriptions, concealed beneath layers of plasterwork, were brought to light once more. Today, the Anas Ben Malek Mosque remains a place of worship. It holds a capacity of up to 5,000 worshippers. It stands as a symbol of enduring faith. Its story, woven into the fabric of Jerusalem, continues to unfold.