The Al Badiyah Mosque, sometimes written Al Bidyah or Al Bidya. It is the oldest known mosque in the United Arab Emirates.[1] located in Al Badiyah, northern part of the emirate of Fujairah, UAE.[2]
This mosque is also known as Ottoman Mosque (named after the person who had constructed it). Not to be confused with Ottoman Empire.[3][4]
It is not sure when the mosque was constructed[3] and because the mud and stone built structure uses no wood, its exact date of construction is unknown as radiocarbon dating is not possible for structures like this. It is estimated to date to the 15th century, however some estimates place the building's age a thousand years before the arrival of Islam in UAE.[2] The site was investigated by the archaeological center of Fujairah in co-operation with the Australian, University of Sydney from 1997-98.[2] and Fujairah Archaeology and Heritage Department came up with the conclusion that the mosque was believed to be built in 1446 AD, along with the two watch towers overlooking the mosque and the village.[3]
The small, square structure has an area of 53 square metres (570 sq ft) and was built from materials available in the area, primarily stones of various sizes and mud bricks coated in many layers of whitewashed plaster. The roof has four squat, helical domes that are supported by only one centrally placed pillar that also forms the ceiling. Entrance to the mosque is through double-winged wooden doors.[2]
The prayer hall has a small mihrab (the niche in the wall that indicates the direction of Mecca), a simple pulpit, arches and openings. A central pillar divides the internal space in to four squares of similar dimensions. The pillar supports all four domes that can bee seen from the exterior.[5]
Inside the prayer hall, a number of small decorative windows allow light and air to stream into the mosque. There are also cube-shaped spaces carved into the thick walls where copies of the holy Quran and other books are to be stored.[6]
The mosque is still in operation, and continues to host daily prayers. In addition, it is a tourist attraction in Fujairah.[2]