Al Bidyah Mosque

The mosque at Al Bidyah is small enough to stand inside in a few paces and is generally dated to about 1446, which makes it the oldest known mosque in the country. It is built of mudbrick and stone rendered in white gypsum, with four shallow domes carried on a single central pillar, the whole thing set on a terrace with watchtowers on the ridge above. It is still in use for prayer, and visitors can enter outside prayer times if suitably dressed.

Background

Locally the building is also known as the "Ottoman Mosque", and the village of Al-Badiyah where it stands lies about 40 kilometres to the north of the emirate's capital. Fujairah's archaeological center studied the site from 1997 to 1998 with the University of Sydney, and the date of 1446 AD was assigned to the mosque and to the two watch towers above it, although some far earlier estimates exist. The square building covers 53 sq m and has no minaret. Its one pillar divides the interior into four squares of similar size and carries four squat, helical domes. The walls use local materials: mud bricks and stones of mixed sizes under many coats of whitewashed plaster.

Source: Wikipedia, "Al Bidya Mosque"

Highlights

• The four domes - shallow domes carried on one central pillar.
• The dating - built about 1446, the earliest known mosque in the country.
• The watchtowers - defensive towers on the ridge above the mosque.
• The mudbrick construction - stone and mudbrick under white gypsum render.

When to go

October to April; the site is exposed with little shade. Visits should avoid the five prayer times. Fridays around midday are not suitable for visiting.

Things to know

It is a working mosque and closed to visitors during prayers. Dress rules are enforced and shoulders, knees and hair must be covered. The building is tiny and the visit is brief.

Nearby

Al Aqah Beach is north, and Fujairah city is south.

Key facts