Feb 23 โ€ข 15:26 UTC ๐Ÿ‡ถ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Qatar Al Jazeera

Video: Get to know the Marwani Prayer Space at Al-Aqsa Mosque

The article discusses the historical and architectural significance of the Marwani Prayer Space at Al-Aqsa Mosque, including its uses throughout various historical periods.

The Marwani Prayer Space, located at the southeast corner of Al-Aqsa Mosque, spans 4.5 dunams and features 16 covered arches and 100 stone columns, making it capable of accommodating 4,000 worshippers. Historically, during the Crusader period, the site was unfortunately used as a horse stable, which lead to large rings being carved into its walls. After Salah ad-Din's liberation of Jerusalem, the space was restored for its original use but fell into neglect during the Mamluk era, only to be revived during the Ottoman period for educational purposes.

Following the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967, the Marwani Prayer Space became a focal point for contention. In response to pressures from various Islamic institutions and the Department of Awqaf, efforts were made to restore the site, and significant renovations were completed in 1996. During these renovations, seven ancient gates were uncovered, out of which two were opened, enhancing the siteโ€™s historical value further. The contributions from Egypt to carpet the prayer space highlight the collective efforts within the Muslim community to preserve this crucial Islamic heritage.

Today, the Marwani Prayer Space serves not only as a place of worship but also as a symbol of resilience amidst ongoing tensions surrounding the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. The space stands as a testament to the rich history of Jerusalem and the reverence with which it is held by Muslims around the world. The ongoing restoration projects and the active use of the space underscore the continuous interest in maintaining the Islamic heritage at this significant religious site.

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