Al-Mahmoudiya Mosque – Jaffa

It is considered Al-Mahmoudiya Mosque One of the most important religious and historical landmarks in Jaffa, it is known as the largest mosque in the Old City and the one with the most prominent place in the city's architectural memory. Despite the common belief that the governor Muhammad Amin Pasha Abu Nabut He is the one who built it, but historical records confirm that the mosque existed before his arrival in Jaffa, and it was mentioned in a document dating back to the year 1803 AD It refers to:
“Sheikh Orabi, the blind governor and muezzin of the Great Mosque…”
This proves the existence of the mosque before the restoration and expansion work carried out later by Abu Nabut.

Naming and Renewals

The mosque also bears the name Al-Mahmoudy Mosque Named after Sultan Ghazi Mahmud Khan IIDuring the reign of Abu Nabut (1808–1829), the mosque underwent extensive restoration work, including modernizing its structure and constructing new buildings. Al-Sabil Al-Mahmudi (Sabil Al-Jawali)And the construction of surrounding markets with endowments allocated to support the mosque and its facilities.

Location and surrounding landmarks

The mosque is located in the heart of historic Jaffa, surrounded by a number of landmarks and ancient markets, including Khan al-Naqib, Jaffa Citadel, the coppersmiths' and blacksmiths' markets, and the Balata market. This prime location has made it a prominent religious and social center for centuries.

Mosque gates

The mosque has four main entrances:

• Bab al-Kabir – The main entrance from the direction of the square
• tile door – South Entrance
• Bab al-Madina – The western entrance adjacent to the minaret
• Bab al-Mahmoudiya – North entrance opposite the fountain

The role of the mosque in social life

Throughout its history, the mosque has been a center of religious and judicial life in Jaffa. In the 1930s, the sheikh Tawfiq al-Dajani The Mufti of Jaffa meets in the portico room with the men of fatwa and judiciary to discuss the affairs of the city.

The importance of the mosque today

still Al-Mahmoudiya Mosque It still stands today, having undergone multiple phases of restoration and reconstruction. It is considered one of the most prominent living testaments to Jaffa's rich history, and a central landmark linking the city's past and present.