Modifications

[Picture source: © 2007 Stefan Knost]

Originally, the prayer hall had six cylindrical columns, as shown in Herzfeld’s plan (fig. 5). Ibn al-Shihna stated that the columns were cut from the Baʿadin quarry and had a yellow colour.[1] The modern Aleppine historian al-Ghazzi stated that these columns were very beautiful and unique because of their height and width. He also stated that the prayer hall contained a mihrab (prayer niche) that was unique for its masonry and stone mosaic. Unfortunately, the prayer hall was damaged sometimes before 1920 and all these special elements were lost (see Herzfeld’s photo, fig. 10).[2]

In the 1920s, the reconstruction of the prayer hall was realized. Afterward only two cylindrical columns remained at the middle of the prayer hall, in front of the mihrab. The rest were replaced by square shaped pillars (fig.11). Finally, in 1953, the top of the minaret, which had been damaged in the first quarter of the 20th century, was restored.[3]

Jamiʿ al-Utrush has incurred damage and destruction in several areas during the armed conflict in Aleppo (2012–16).

Figure 10: Aleppo, al-Utrush Mosque from the southwest, damage of the prayer hall and the top of the minaret [Picture source: Photographer: Ernst Herzfeld, 1908–14. https://sova.si.edu/details/FSA.A.06#ref18812]

Figure 11: Aleppo, al-Utrush Mosque, prayer hall, interior with two original cylindrical columns [Picture source: © 2008 Rami Alafandi]