Al-Jazzar Mosque | Akko

Information
Landmark: Al-Jazzar Mosque
City: Akko
Country: Israel
Continent: Asia

Al-Jazzar Mosque, Akko, Israel, Asia

The Al-Jazzar Mosque, also known as the Pasha Mosque, is the largest and most significant mosque in Israel outside of Jerusalem. It dominates the skyline of Old Acre with its green dome and tall, slender minaret.

Visual Characteristics

The mosque is a premier example of Ottoman architecture, featuring a large central emerald-green dome surrounded by smaller domes. Its pencil-shaped minaret is a primary landmark for navigation within the city. The exterior is constructed from light-colored sandstone, while the interior is decorated with intricate blue and gold calligraphy, marble panels, and Persian carpets. The mosque is situated within a rectangular courtyard (sahn) surrounded by arched arcades that once served as study rooms for religious students.

Location & Access Logistics

The mosque is located on Al-Jazzar Street, directly across from the entrance to the Knights' Halls and the Citadel. It is positioned at the northern end of the Old Acre Market. Access is pedestrian-only within the Old City walls. The nearest public parking is at the northern moat area, a 5-minute walk away. The site is a 15-minute walk from the Acre Railway Station.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Commissioned by the Ottoman governor Ahmed al-Jazzar ("The Butcher") and completed in 1781, the mosque was built over the remains of a Crusader cathedral dedicated to St. John. Geologically, it sits on the sandstone ridge of the Akko peninsula. Many of the marble columns and stones used in its construction were pillaged from the Roman ruins of Caesarea and Atlit, reflecting the governor’s ambition to create a monumental structure that rivaled those in Istanbul.

Key Highlights & Activities

The courtyard houses a decorative sundial and an ornate white marble fountain (sabil) used for ritual ablutions. A small shrine within the complex is said to contain a hair from the beard of the Prophet Muhammad, which is traditionally displayed to the public only on the holiday of Eid al-Fitr. Visitors can explore the arched cloisters and observe the historic library that once housed thousands of rare manuscripts. The mosque remains an active place of worship for the local community.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The complex includes a dedicated area for shoe storage and provides modest covering (robes) for visitors at the entrance. Public restrooms are located just outside the mosque gates in the market area. While the courtyard is accessible, the interior prayer hall involves small stone steps. The mosque is surrounded by the Turkish Bazaar and numerous cafes, providing immediate access to food and services. Full 5G cellular coverage is available.

Best Time to Visit

The mosque is open to tourists daily between prayer times (typically 09:00–11:00 and 13:00–15:30). It is closed to non-Muslims during the five daily prayer sessions and on Fridays. The best time for photography is the early morning when the sunlight reflects off the green dome. Visitors must remove their shoes and dress modestly (covering shoulders and legs) to enter the precinct.

Facts & Legends

Ahmed al-Jazzar is buried in a small, ornate mausoleum within the mosque’s courtyard, alongside his successor, Sulayman Pasha. A local legend claims that al-Jazzar personally supervised the placement of every stone to ensure the building would survive the naval bombardments of Napoleon Bonaparte, who unsuccessfully besieged the city in 1799.