Al Omari Mosque
Lebanon, Beirut, Waygand Street
Description:
The Al-Omari Mosque in Beirut, for good reason, is considered one of the oldest urban buildings. Once on this site stood a Roman temple dedicated to Jupiter, then in its place was built a Byzantine church. Finally, at the beginning of the XIX century, the Crusaders built a temple named after John the Baptist.
In 1187, Beirut came under Muslim rule and the Fatouh al-Islam mosque was built in the temple - a victory for Islam. But after 10 years, the Crusaders regained the church. In 1291 the building became a mosque forever. In the mid-twentieth century, the mosque was renovated, but then severely damaged during the civil war. Al-Omari has been rebuilt with private donors.
This beautiful monument of Muslim religious architecture is open to tourists. You will long remember the beautiful interiors of the mosque with a decorated azure arabesque dome and huge bronze chandeliers.