Al-Abbas Mosque is a testimony to the living traditions and architectural achievements of one of the world’s earliest civilizations.

Built over 800 years ago, the mosque is situated on the remains of a pre-Islamic shrine or temple on a site considered sacred since ancient times. Its cubic form also has ancient precedents, including the Kaaba in Mecca.

The local population continues to revere the mosque and the site today still holds special significance for them.

Set in the highlands of Yemen, 40 kilometres from Sana’a, Al-Abbas Mosque dates from the last days of the Sulayhid Dynasty.

An inscription in the interior dates the building to Dhu al-Hijjah 519 (December 1125–January 1126 in the Gregorian calendar) and names the founder as Sultan Musa bin Muhammed al-Fitti.

Another inscription names the builder or architect as Muhammed ibn Abul-Fath ibn Arhab.

The lower parts of the mosque’s walls are made of stone, with mud bricks at the upper levels.

Almost square in plan, the mosque has a flat roof, making it cubic in shape.

Inside are six columns, four in stone dating from pre-Islamic times and two in brick. Three of the columns have antique capitals. The columns divide the interior into four rows, leading towards the mihrab wall.