Negash Mosque

Negash is where, according to Islamic tradition, a group of the Prophet's followers fleeing persecution in Mecca were received and protected by the Aksumite king in the seventh century, an episode known as the first hijra, which makes this among the earliest sites of Muslim settlement anywhere outside Arabia. Graves said to be of some of those emigrants lie beside the mosque, and excavation has found early material. The present mosque is a modern rebuilding, funded partly from abroad, over a much older foundation, so what stands is new although the site is not. The village sits on a hill in dry Tigrayan country. Access to the region has been intermittent in recent years and current advice should be sought before travelling.

What you actually see

• The rebuilt mosque - a modern building over the ancient foundation.
• The companions' graves - burials associated with the first emigrants.
• The hill village - the settlement in dry Tigrayan highland country.
• The first-hijra story - the tradition the site is built around.

When to go

October to March for the roads. Friday prayers and Islamic holidays bring larger numbers. Access to this region has been intermittent, so conditions should be checked close to the date.

Honest expectations

The mosque itself is a recent rebuilding and visitors expecting a seventh-century structure will not find one. Non-Muslims may not be able to enter the prayer hall. There is little interpretation on site. The village has no facilities.

Nearby

Wukro lies south; Adigrat is north.