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Songo Mnara Necropolis Mosque


History


It is the building that is initially seen from a landing spot that is easily accessible, and it is situated southwest of the site and beyond the town wall. Necropolis is the name given to it because of the huge cemetery that is enclosed inside its boundaries. The mosque is now largely destroyed, and there are still some questions about its original purpose.

Urban and Architectural


A small prayer room (5.4 × 2.75/3.25 m) at the mosque is oriented on 347 and 340 degrees. A remaining arched doorway in the south wall served as the entrance.

The mihrab was surrounded by two additional arched doors that led to two modest chambers and an exterior courtyard. The mihrab lacks an arch but has an apse. Three transverse barrel vaults supported by a cornice made comprised the barrel vaulted roof.



Description


A 16 m2 enclosure with numerous tombs marked by sandstone slabs surrounds the mosque. Six stairs placed up against an exterior wall on the seashore appear to have been used to access the mosque and its enclosure. These steps lead to the entryway in the northwest corner.

Details

Location

Ruins of Songo Mnara UNESCO World Heritage SIte, Songa Mnara Island, Tanzania

Worshippers

15

Year of Build

15th Centurey

Area

30

Drawings

Map

History

It is the building that is initially seen from a landing spot that is easily accessible, and it is situated southwest of the site and beyond the town wall. Necropolis is the name given to it because of the huge cemetery that is enclosed inside its boundaries. The mosque is now largely destroyed, and there are still some questions about its original purpose.

Urban and Architectural

A small prayer room (5.4 × 2.75/3.25 m) at the mosque is oriented on 347 and 340 degrees. A remaining arched doorway in the south wall served as the entrance.

The mihrab was surrounded by two additional arched doors that led to two modest chambers and an exterior courtyard. The mihrab lacks an arch but has an apse. Three transverse barrel vaults supported by a cornice made comprised the barrel vaulted roof.



Description

A 16 m2 enclosure with numerous tombs marked by sandstone slabs surrounds the mosque. Six stairs placed up against an exterior wall on the seashore appear to have been used to access the mosque and its enclosure. These steps lead to the entryway in the northwest corner.