A 19th Century mosque on the western side of Acre. It was built over the western tower of the Crusader’s fortress.
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Contents:
Background:
The mosque is located on the western side of the old city, close to the citadel. It is recognized by its tall green-tipped tower. The mosque was built over the Crusaders western tower, part of the fortress of the “Hospitallers” – the order of the Knights of the Hospital of Saint John fortress.
The mosque is named after the residents of the southern city of Ashkeleon (Migdal-Ashkeleon or Migdal-Gaza) who transferred to the city in the 19th Century and later built this mosque in their neighborhood.
By the way, Majadele is also the name of the first Arab-Israeli minister, Raleb Majadele, who was appointed in 2007 to be the Minister of Science, Culture and Sport.
Location and Aerial map:
The easiest way to get to the tower is from the western side. Drive along the western road, pass the citadel western walls, and park in the large parking area or drive closer to the mosque.
The following aerial view shows the location of the mosque, on the western side of the knight’s halls complex.
History:
- 1104AD Crusaders conquer the city ; fortify the city
- 1187 AD Saladin takes the city after capturing Jerusalem; Christians are evacuated
- 1191 AD Richard the Lion Heart retakes the city on the 3rd Crusade becomes the capital of the remnant of the Kingdom of Jerusalem
- 1229 AD Acre is Controlled by the Hospitaller Knights, who are based in the citadel
- 1291 AD After siege, Mamelukes capture the city; they destroy it completely, including the citadel; the city remains a small village
- 1517 AD Ottomans take the city; city falls into total decay end of 18th century Jezzer Pasha improves and fortifies the city beginning of 19th century
- The mosque is built 1819-1831 The mosque is the prayer place of Abdullah Pasha, governor of Acre
Photos:
A view from the north-west side is seen below. This was the south-western side of the Crusaders fortress, where the western tower was located. The fortress was dismantled in 1291, and the mosque was built over the ruins in the 19th Century.
A view from the west:
The photo below shows the western entrance to the mosque.
Etymology (behind the word):
Majadele – Arabic: tower. The name of a Muslim town in the ancient port of Ashkeleon, who transferred to Acre and built the mosque.
Migdal – Hebrew: tower.
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This page was last updated on June 25, 2008
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