Abu Derwish Mosque
Description:
At the top of one of Amman’s seven hills, Jabal al-Ashrafiyeh, is the striking Abu Derwish Mosque, built in 1961. The mosque was commissioned by the late King Hussein of Jordan. This peculiar structure is laid out in the traditions of Levantine architecture from unmistakably alternating layers of black and white stone. The mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in Amman and throughout the country.
The structure stands on a high platform, at the main entrance there is a composition of many turrets. The main building of the shrine is crowned with an elegant dome. In the southeast corner of the building, a high minaret was built with a narrow spiral staircase inside. The prayer hall is a luxurious octagonal room designed for seven thousand Muslims. The rich interior of the mosque is made of openwork carvings with a fine floral ornament.
In the upper tier of the pavilion is a small museum, which presents relics of Islam. The Abu Derwish Mosque is located on the square, which is a favorite holiday destination for local residents and tourists. It offers a beautiful view of Amman.