Centuries whisper from these very stones. This is the Al-Omari Grand Mosque. It stands as a testament to Beirut’s layered past.
The Al-Omari Grand Mosque is known as Jami’ Al-Kabir. It is located in Beirut’s central district. This Sunni Islam mosque has witnessed the city’s evolution.
Originally, this site housed a Roman temple. It was dedicated to Jupiter. You can still see the Ancient Roman influence in the mosque’s columns and foundations.
Later, during the Byzantine era, it transformed into a Roman basilica. This basilica featured intricate mosaics. It also had architectural elements typical of the Byzantine style.
In the 7th century CE, history took another turn. The basilica became a mosque. Then, during the Crusader occupation in the 12th century, the mosque was converted into the Church of Saint John.
But in 1291, the Mamluks captured Beirut. Once again, the church became a mosque under Islamic rule. It was renamed Al-Omari Mosque. The name honors the second caliph, Omar bin Al-Khattab.
The mosque became known as “Jami’ Al-Kabir”. This means the Great Mosque. Its Mamluk-style entrance, domes, and minarets were added around 1350. They still reflect traces of the former church’s Byzantine style.
The Lebanese Civil War caused severe damage to the Al-Omari Grand Mosque. Thankfully, refurbishment was completed in 2004 under Youssef Haidar’s direction.
Interestingly, a Kuwaiti woman named Suad Mohammad Al-Humaidhi donated to renovate the mosque. It was reopened on June 4, 2004. The ceremony was attended by Al-Humaidhi, the former Lebanese mufti, and the late prime minister Rafic Al-Hariri.
Today, the three-story Al-Omari Grand Mosque can accommodate around 3,000 worshippers.
Suhail Mneimneh heads the Beirut Heritage Society. He says the mosque was built on the rubble of a Roman military compound.
So, remember the Al-Omari Grand Mosque. It stands as a symbol of resilience. It embodies Beirut’s complex journey through time, war, and peace.