396. Ṭurra, aṭ- | الطرّة

Irbid Governorate

Mesjid al-‘Umari / Mesjid ‘Omar ibn Khaṭṭāb

JADIS no. 2422002

MEGA no. 2900, 17381

Coordinates: 32°38'23.6"N 35°59'26.3"E

32.639889, 35.990639

Plan: broad rectangular with door in N wall with one rectangular on both sides of it.

Measurements: unknown.

Exterior: unknown.

Interior: unknown.

Building Materials: basalt and light brown limestone.

Construction details: According to a historical photograph (fig. 396.1), the rectangular door frame was set into a recessed pointed niche of limestone. The imposts of the arch consisted of profiled stones, probably of ancient origin. Also the windows were framed by limestone blocks. Coarsely squared basalt blocks were constructed in irregular isodomic bondage as two sided masonry with earth and rubble fill. Obviously little or no mortar has been used for the joints. A broad band of whitewashed plaster runs on the N façade on the height of the window sills.

Preservation: entirely destroyed in recent years (around 2004) and overbuilt by a supermarket (fig. 396.23).

Inscription(s): Above the door was a recessed rectangular field which held an inscription. Nothing of it survives today.

Date(s): Either rebuilt or repaired in 1899 (M. Bataineh 2011).

Traveler Reports: none known.

Bibliography: M. Bataineh, in: Walker-Shunnaq et alii 2011, 521.