Abstract
THE 2024 EXCAVATION SEASON UNEARTHED A NEW TYPE OF DOUBLE PILLAR IN THE CONGREGATIONAL MOSQUE OF THE ISLAMIC CITY OF AYLA
The Congregational Mosque in an Islamic city occupies a central and focal location within the city’s layout, with other elements of the city arranged around it. It was the first building constructed by the Prophet Muhammad in his city. Subsequent caliphs followed his example when building their own cities. The mosque plays a significant role in the social, religious, and political life of the community, with its primary function being a place for offering prayers.
The Congregational Mosque in the Islamic city of Ayla was established during Othman Ibn Afan, the third Caliphate of Rashidun. It is located at the centre of the city. The mosque’s plan has a rectangular shape, comprising numerous pillars that support arcades. During the 2024 rehabilitation and development project of the Islamic city of Ayla, new pillars were unearthed. Among these, one pillar had a different shape, sparking two hypotheses about the structure: the first described it as a font (or fountain), while the other suggested it was a different type of pillar. To determine the function of this building, an archaeological dig was conducted, and the results confirmed the purpose of the structure.
Keywords
Masjid, Pillar, Ayla, dig, structure.
