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Great Mosque of Aleppo

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Landmark
—°12
Great Mosque of Aleppo (Syria)

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The Great Mosque of Aleppo, also known as the Umayyad Mosque, is one of the oldest and most significant Islamic houses of worship in Syria, forming the religious heart of the Old City of Aleppo. Its foundation dates back to 715 AD, having been built upon the remains of an earlier Byzantine cathedral. The mosque was particularly famous for its square minaret built in 1090, which stood as a prime example of Seljuk architecture until its destruction in 2013 during the civil war. The expansive courtyard is paved with intricate marble mosaics in geometric patterns, reflecting the influences of various dynasties such as the Zengids and Mamluks. The mosque traditionally houses the tomb of the Prophet Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, making it a major pilgrimage destination. Despite the heavy damage sustained in recent years, the mosque remains an irreplaceable symbol of Aleppo's cultural and spiritual identity and is currently undergoing extensive reconstruction.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C681216212629292621138
Rain mm806644312182413304986

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Great Mosque of Aleppo is located in the heart of the old city and is a significant Islamic structure. Due to the war in Syria, the mosque is currently not accessible to visitors. Future opening depends on the security situation.
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Typical hours
Before the war, opening hours were usually tied to prayer times. Tourists could visit outside prayer times. Currently closed, there are no valid hours.
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Photography
In the past, photography was allowed in the courtyard but not in the prayer hall. Due to the current situation, no on-site photography is possible. Historical images are available in archives.
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Time needed
Before the war, a visit lasted about 30 to 45 minutes. Entry was free but donations welcomed. Currently no visit possible, so duration is not applicable.
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Combine with
The old city of Aleppo housed many historic sites like the Citadel and the souks. Currently, all attractions in Aleppo are inaccessible due to conflict.
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Getting there
The mosque was centrally located in the old city, within walking distance of the Citadel. Due to the war, the region is not safe for travel. Travel is strongly discouraged.
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Insider tip
If the mosque ever reopens, visitors should wear respectful clothing and remove shoes before entering. Check the current security situation beforehand.

Geography

Coordinates
36.19940, 37.15690

Facts

  • Construction began in 715 AD under the Umayyad Caliph al-Walid I.
  • The 45-meter-high minaret from 1090 was completely destroyed in 2013.
  • The mosque has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 1986.
  • The central courtyard measures approximately 150 by 100 meters.
  • The mosque houses relics traditionally attributed to the Prophet Zechariah.
  • The architecture displays features from Umayyad, Abbasid, and Mamluk eras.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Citadel of AleppoCitadel of Aleppo<1 km · NExplore →
Aleppo Public ParkAleppo Public Park2 km · SEExplore →
AleppoAleppo3 km · SExplore →
Sheikh Najjar Industrial CitySheikh Najjar Industrial City13 km · NEExplore →
As-SafiraAs-Safira25 km · NWExplore →
Church of Saint Simeon StylitesChurch of Saint Simeon Stylites38 km · SExplore →
AfrinAfrin42 km · SEExplore →
Al-BabAl-Bab42 km · NExplore →

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Sights in the town Great Mosque of Aleppo (12)

Fardos district🌿 nature

This spot features an excellent view over the historic Fardos district, famous for its Ayyubid-era architectural heritage.

Qal'at al-Sharif district🌿 nature

Located near the Citadel, this viewpoint provides a sweeping look over the ancient Qal'at al-Sharif district.

Bab Qinnesrin🏺 historical

Rebuilt in 1256, this massive medieval city gate once led to the southern caravan routes towards Qinnesrin.

Kallaseh district🌿 nature

The view from the Kallaseh district encompasses both Aleppo's historic tanneries and its modern industrial areas.

Bab Antakeya🏺 historical

Bab Antakeya is the westernmost gate of the city walls and marks the main entrance to the Great Souq of Aleppo.

Gate of Antioch, Bab Antakeya📍 landmark

Located on the western wall, this ancient gate leads directly into the labyrinthine covered markets of Aleppo's Old Souq.

al-Bimaristan al-Arghuni🏛 museum

This Mamluk-era former hospital is now a museum, once famous for treating patients using music and water acoustics.

Al-Adiliyah Mosque⛪ religious

This 16th-century Ottoman mosque is notable for its large dome and its location adjacent to the Aleppo Citadel.

Al-Sahibiyah Mosque⛪ religious

Dating back to the 14th century, this mosque in the Old City showcases the simple and elegant architecture of the Mamluk era.

Al-Bahramiyya Mosque⛪ religious

An Ottoman mosque from 1583, known for its courtyard and proximity to the citadel.

auslan dadah📍 landmark

A small local mosque integrated into the urban fabric of the historic district.

Abu Mousa Mosque Al-Ashari📍 landmark

A neighborhood mosque of traditional stone construction located within the old city walls.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Great Mosque of Aleppo?
A historic religious structure of great architectural significance.
Is it accessible to visitors?
After the war, parts are accessible, check the status.
What is its architectural highlight?
The minaret and the artistic stone carvings are legendary.
How long does the visit take?
About 30 to 60 minutes are sufficient.
Are there markets nearby?
Yes, the historic old city of Aleppo borders it directly.
Great Mosque of Aleppo: where is it located?
Great Mosque of Aleppo is located in Syria.
Great Mosque of Aleppo: what is there to see?
Highlights include Fardos district, Qal'at al-Sharif district, Bab Qinnesrin.
Great Mosque of Aleppo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
Great Mosque of Aleppo: why is it worth visiting?
The Great Mosque of Aleppo, also known as the Umayyad Mosque, is one of the oldest and most significant Islamic houses of worship in Syria, forming the religious heart of the Old City of Aleppo.
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Nearby cities

Aleppo — Great Mosque of Aleppo (Syria)
Aleppo
Aleppo was the most populous city in Syria before the war and is a major commercial center in the north.
Al-Bab — Great Mosque of Aleppo (Syria)
Al-Bab
Al-Bab is a city near Aleppo and a historic center for agriculture and trade in the region.
Manbij — Great Mosque of Aleppo (Syria)
Manbij
Manbij is an ancient city in northern Syria, located near the Euphrates River and holding a strategic position.
As-Safira — Great Mosque of Aleppo (Syria)
As-Safira
As-Safira is a city southeast of Aleppo that is traditionally an important industrial and agricultural center.
Kobanî — Great Mosque of Aleppo (Syria)
Kobanî
Kobanî, also known as Ayn al-Arab, is an important city in northern Syria near the Turkish border that gained worldwide fame.

History & landmarks

Bab al-Faraj Clock Tower — Great Mosque of Aleppo (Syria)
Bab al-Faraj Clock Tower
A prominent landmark in the center of Aleppo, built at the end of the 19th century by the Ottoman governor.
Church of Saint Simeon Stylites — Great Mosque of Aleppo (Syria)
Church of Saint Simeon Stylites
The remains of one of the oldest surviving Christian churches in the world, built on the site where Saint Simeon the Stylite lived.

Nature

Afrin — Great Mosque of Aleppo (Syria)
Afrin
The Afrin River flows through the olive-grove-dominated northwest of Syria before returning to Turkey.

More places

Sheikh Najjar Industrial City — Great Mosque of Aleppo (Syria)
Sheikh Najjar Industrial City
The industrial heart of Aleppo and one of Syria's most important economic centers, known for its textile and pharmaceutical production.
Citadel of Aleppo — Great Mosque of Aleppo (Syria)
Citadel of Aleppo
A massive fortified palace in the center of one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities.
Aleppo Public Park — Great Mosque of Aleppo (Syria)
Aleppo Public Park
A historic green space in Aleppo that offers residents a peaceful place to relax from urban life.
Al-Sabil Park — Great Mosque of Aleppo (Syria)
Al-Sabil Park
One of the oldest and best-known parks in Aleppo, famous for its large water basins and shaded avenues.
Mount Simeon — Great Mosque of Aleppo (Syria)
Mount Simeon
Mount Simeon is a limestone massif known for the ruins of the Church of Saint Simeon Stylites and the surrounding famous Dead Cities.
Sabkhat al-Jabbul — Great Mosque of Aleppo (Syria)
Sabkhat al-Jabbul
An important wetland and salt lake southeast of Aleppo, serving as a major wintering ground for flamingos.
Kurd Mountains — Great Mosque of Aleppo (Syria)
Kurd Mountains
Kurd Dagh is a mountainous highland in northwestern Syria, characterized by its dense olive groves and rich cultural history.
Tishrin Dam — Great Mosque of Aleppo (Syria)
Tishrin Dam
An important dam and hydroelectric power plant on the Euphrates, located north of the Tabqa Dam near Manbij.