Great Ajloun Mosque | Ajloun

Information

Landmark: Great Ajloun Mosque
City: Ajloun
Country: Jordan
Continent: Asia

Great Ajloun Mosque, Ajloun, Jordan, Asia

The Great Ajloun Mosque (often referred to locally as the Ajloun Church due to its architectural origins) is a 13th-century Islamic structure located in the center of Ajloun city. It is one of the oldest standing mosques in Jordan and is built upon the remains of a 5th-century Byzantine Christian church.

Visual Characteristics

The mosque features a rectangular floor plan with thick limestone walls and a prominent square minaret. The interior contains rows of heavy stone arches and vaulted ceilings, with repurposed Byzantine columns and capitals integrated into the prayer hall. The exterior is characterized by weathered cream-colored masonry and a central courtyard, while the minaret displays classic Ayyubid-Mamluk architectural details, including narrow windows and stone corbels.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is located in the central market area (Souq) of Ajloun city, approximately 75km north of Amman. Access is via the main Jerash-Ajloun road (Highway 20). Public transport is readily available via minibuses from Amman's North Bus Station directly to the Ajloun terminal, which is a 5-minute walk from the mosque. Parking is limited to street spots or small public lots within the town center.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The current structure was completed in 1263 during the Mamluk period under Sultan Baibars, though it incorporates the foundations and materials of an earlier Byzantine basilica. An inscription on the minaret dates its construction to the Ayyubid era (1264). The site is situated on a limestone slope in the Mediterranean highlands, a region characterized by high rainfall and fertile soil.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the blending of Islamic and Christian architectural elements, specifically the Byzantine-style stonework in the prayer hall. The mosque remains an active place of worship; non-Muslim visitors are permitted to view the exterior and entrance but should avoid entry during prayer times. The square minaret is a rare surviving example of early Mamluk military-influenced religious architecture.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The mosque is situated in the heart of the city, surrounded by vendors, bakeries, and small restaurants. Public restrooms are located near the mosque entrance. 4G/5G mobile signal is excellent throughout the area. There is no dedicated visitor center; information is provided via small plaques on the exterior walls.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for photography is in the early morning before the narrow city streets become crowded with traffic and market stalls. For interior views (outside of prayer hours), mid-morning (09:00–11:00) provides the best ambient light through the high windows. The site is accessible year-round, but spring (March–May) offers the most temperate weather.

Facts & Legends

A historical oddity of the mosque is a Mamluk inscription found in the walls that details the repairs ordered by Sultan Baibars following a major earthquake. Local tradition maintains that the site was chosen specifically because of a sacred spring that once flowed beneath the Byzantine altar, a feature common to many religious transitions in the northern Jordanian highlands.