Omar Mosque

In 638, after a five-month siege of Jerusalem by a large Muslim army, the city agrees to surrender to Muslim caliph Omar ibn al-Khattab.

The victor is met by Patriarch Sophronius of Jerusalem and, showing the new owner the “pearl” of the city, invites the Holy Sepulchre to pray.

However, Omar declined the invitation, explaining that if he prayed inside the church, supporters would turn the church into a mosque.

So he went out into the yard and prayed there.

According to legend, the mosque of Omar was built in the place where the caliph prayed, but was moved and construction was completed in 1193.

In the 15th century, the mosque had a 15-meter minaret that dates back to the Mamluk period.

The Mosque of Omar is located in the Old City of Jerusalem with the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

You can get there by city buses, stops Damascus Gate, Tsahal Square, Yaffo Gate.