Al Nejashi Mosque Explained

Al Nejashi Mosque
Native Name: (Arabic: مَسْجِد ٱلنَّجَاشِي)
Native Name Lang:ar
Map Type:Ethiopia Tigray Region#Ethiopia#Africa
Map Size:225px
Map Relief:yes
Coordinates:13.8756°N 39.5987°W
Religious Affiliation:Islam
Location:Negash, Tigray, Ethiopia
Deity:Allah / God
Festivals:-->
Organizational Status:-->
Architecture Type:mosque
Established:After 615 C.E.
Date Destroyed:-->
Dome Quantity:1
Minaret Quantity:1
Elevation Ft:-->

Al Nejashi Mosque (Arabic: {{Script|Arab|مَسْجِد ٱلنَّجَاشِي) is a mosque in Negash, in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia.

History

The mosque was established after 615 CE, when the first Muslims are said to have migrated to Abyssinia during the reign of Najashi.[1] It is named after Najashi.[2]

In 2018, the mosque was renovated with funds from Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency. Accommodations, visitor center and toilets were built around the mosque building. Renovation was completed in September 2018.[3]

In 2021, the mosque was damaged by fighting during the Tigray War.[4] [5] The minaret was destroyed, its dome partially collapsed and its façade was ruined.[6] Soon afterwards, the Government of Ethiopia vowed to repair the building.

Architecture

The mosque complex features tomb behind the main mosque building.[7] There are 15 tombs of the first immigrants in Islam to Ethiopia .[8]

See also

Notes and References

  1. News: Hagos . Tsegay . 29 April 2021 . Africa's First Mosque Seeks Unesco's Recognition . All Africa . 7 September 2021.
  2. Web site: 18 July 2019 . The untold story of King Negash and the al Nejashi Mosque . Oman Observer.
  3. News: Awel . Munira Abdelmenan . 26 September 2018 . Turkey restores historic Al-Nejashi mosque in Ethiopia . All Africa . 7 September 2021.
  4. News: 5 January 2021. Tigray crisis: Ethiopia to repair al-Nejashi mosque. BBC News. 7 September 2021.
  5. News: AFP. 30 April 2021. Heritage sites under siege in Ethiopia's Tigray war. Africa News. 7 September 2021.
  6. News: Zelalem. Zecharias. 13 January 2021. Ethiopia conflict: Outrage over damage to Tigray mosque. Middle East Eye. 7 September 2021.
  7. News: 18 July 2019. The untold story of King Negash and the Al Nejashi Mosque. Oman Observer. 7 September 2021.
  8. News: Elsayed. Yassmine. 2 January 2021. Iconic Nejashi Mosque in Tigray Partially Damaged during Conflict. See News. 7 September 2021.