Masjid of Abu Dalaf (in Iraq)
The caliph Al Mutawakkil Ala Allah wanted Al Mutawakkiliya Mosque (Al Jaafariya) to be like his Mosque in Samarra in terms of design and minaret. It was named the Mosque of Abu Dalaf in reference to the Abbasid commander who was well-known in the time of the Caliph Harun ar-Rasheed (died in Baghdad in 266 A.H./ 841 A.D.).
The mosque is located in the north-eastern part of Al Jaafariya. It is rectangular, smaller than the mosque of Samarra, and its external walls were built from adobe and clay, like most of Al Mutawakkil’s buildings. Its pillars, arches and minaret were built from large bricks and plaster. The external walls fell down while most parts built from large bricks and plaster have remained intact.
Among the new architectural elements in the Mosque of Abu Dalaf is the pointed and inflated arch, which was made so in order to handle the holding capacity of vessels and porticos.
The mosque’s mihrab (prayer niche) stands out from the wall side facing toward Mecca, which is considered a novelty in Islamic architecture.
Note:- This article is written by Dr. Mustafa Husain Kalhoro, Taagrraai of Ripri who is the 1st history writer of Ripri. There are his 10 published books and several unpublished. His most popular book is “HISTORY OF RIPRI”. Please visit www.ripri.pk.
