The Grand Mosque of Ibb, Yemen

What is it about?

This article introduces the critically-endangered Great Mosque of Ibb, Yemen to historians and conservationists of historic Islamic architecture. It provides a brief history of the construction of the structure as well as chronicles the diverse time periods which have contributed to its present state.

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Photo by Utsman Media on Unsplash

Photo by Utsman Media on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The Great Mosque of Ibb is a small part of Yemen's rich architectural and artistic heritage currently threatened by active war and the consequently weakened cultural and state institutions in Yemen. Founded in the first century of Islam by the Second Caliph 'Umar and embellished by Lower Yemen's later Medieval ruling dynasties, the Great Mosque of Ibb is significant to the history of Islamic Architecture and the history of architecture in Yemen; however, its relative obscurity to scholars outside of Yemen has contributed to decades of neglect, demolition, and anachronistic modern additions.