Bab Al-Silsilah Minaret
Al-Silsila Minaret
Al-Silsila Minaret is one of the most prominent and recognizable structures of Al-Aqsa Mosque, located in the Old City of al-Quds. The minaret has a rich history and is an important landmark of the mosque, serving as a symbol of the religious, cultural, and architectural heritage of the city. Bab al-Silsila Minaret is one of the four minarets of Al-Aqsa Compound. It is located on the western side of Al-Aqsa Mosque and next to Bab al-Silsila (The Chain Gate). The minaret is also known as Mahkamah Minaret since the minaret is located near Madrasah al-Tankiziyah which served as a law court during the times of Ottomans (Ghosheh, 2005). Today, Israel Occupation Forces do not allow Muslims to approach or enter Bab al-Silsila Minaret, as they believe they protect praying Jews in front of al-Buraq Wall which is near Bab al-Silsila Minaret (TİKA, 2013).
Architecture
Originally built by the Ummayds, the minaret was rebuilt by the order of Amir Sayf al-Din Tankiz ibn Abd Allah al-Nasiri, during the times of the Mamluks, in 730 A.H (1329) (Burgoyne, 1987). Although, the Romanesque style influenced the minaret (Cytryn-Silverman, 2008), the monument is a piece from the traditional Syrian architectural style and consists almost entirely of stones (Madain Project, n.d.). The upper part of the minaret rises in a square shape and has a covered balcony. The minaret is reached by Madrasa al-Ashrafiyya and it has a ladder with 80 steps. The height of the minaret is 35 meters (Mescid-i Aksa Arşivi, n.d.).
Al-Silsila Minaret is a remarkable example of Mamluk architecture, featuring intricate geometric and floral designs that are typical of the period. The minaret is approximately 29 meters tall and is made of local limestone. It has a square base that gradually tapers into an octagonal shape, with a pointed spire at the top. The minaret is adorned with beautiful carvings, including Kufic inscriptions and floral motifs that reflect the artistic traditions of the Mamluk era.
Significance
Since the 16th century, the best muezzin was assigned to this minaret, and the first call to prayer was recited from this minaret. Therefore, other mosques followed this minaret for azan (Madain Project, n.d.). After the Jerusalem earthquake in h.1340 (1922), the minaret was repaired by the Islamic Foundation (TİKA, 2013). Al-Silsila Minaret serves as a landmark that helps to orient visitors and locals alike in the crowded and complex Old City. It is also an important part of the spiritual and religious life of Al-Aqsa mosque, used to call the faithful to prayer and to mark the beginning and end of the fast during the month of Ramadan.
Current Situation
Despite its historical and cultural significance, Al-Silsila Minaret has faced numerous challenges over the centuries, including natural disasters, wars, and neglect by Zionists.
In 2017, the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf, the custodian of the mosque, initiated a significant restoration project with the objective of preserving and restoring the minaret to its original condition.
However, at present, due to its location overlooking Al-Buraq Wall, Zionists have closed the minaret to prevent Muslims from accessing it and observing Jewish activities at the wall.
References
"Al-Aqsa Mosque: Its History and Functions," by Myriam Rosen-Ayalon, in Jerusalem: Its Sanctity and Centrality to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, ed. by Lee Levine (New York: Continuum, 1999), pp. 387-406.
Burgoyne, M. H. (1987). Mamluk Jerusalem: An Architectural Study. Jerusalem: British School of Archeology in Jerusalem.
Cytryn-Silverman, K. (2008). Three Mamluk Minarets in Ramla. Jeruselam Studies in Arabic and Islam, 35, 379–432. https://www.academia.edu/19984772/_Three_Mamluk_Minarets_in_Ramla_Jerusalem_Studies_in_Arabic_and_Islam_35_2008_pp_379_432
Ghosheh, M.H. (2005). Guide to the Masjid al-Aqsa (R. Schick, Trans.). Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs. (2005).
Madain Project. (n.d.). Bab al Silsila Minaret. Minarets of the al Aqsa Mosque. https://madainproject.com/minarets_of_al_aqsa_mosque#bab-al-silsila-minaret
Mescid-i Aksa Arşivi. (n.d.). Silsile kapısı minaresi. Minareler. https://mescidiaksaarsivi.com/icerik.asp?cat=7&item=61#prettyPhoto
TİKA. (2013). Mescid-i Aksa Rehberi (Harem-i Şerif). http://www.passia.org/media/filer_public/67/73/67730ca8-a5ec-4c08-a9e5-a574688852b6/aqsa-tr-compressed.pdf
"The Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Haram al-Sharif: A Brief Guide," by Omar Yousef Nasser, Jerusalem Quarterly, vol. 74 (2018): 15-23.
"The Al-Aqsa Mosque: An Architectural Perspective," by Jafar Jafari, Muqarnas, vol. 7 (1990): 15-28.
"The Minarets of al-Aqsa Mosque: A Typological Study," by K. A. C. Creswell, Ars Islamica, vol. 7 (1940): 211-254.
