Hama: Journey through History and Architectural Splendour.
Hama, situated on the banks of the Orontes River in west-central Syria, holds a significant place in history and is renowned for its cultural heritage. The city, which serves as the capital of the Hama Governorate, is located approximately 213 kilometers (132 miles) north of Damascus and 46 kilometers (29 miles) north of Homs. One of the notable features of Hama is its ancient water wheels, known as norias, which were traditionally used for irrigation purposes. These norias, claimed to date back to 1100 BC, continue to exist today as a captivating symbol of the city’s past.
Besides its iconic norias, Hama boasts several historic mosques that are worth exploring. Among them is the Great Mosque of Hama, a prominent religious site that stands out for its architectural grandeur. Adjacent to the Great Mosque is the al-Nuri Mosque, another notable religious structure that holds its own significance. Additionally, numerous mosques surround the remains of the former citadel, contributing to the rich religious landscape of the city. Most of these mosques were constructed during the late Seljuq and early Mamluk periods, reflecting a modest yet elegant architectural style. While these mosques are primarily open during regular prayer times, they are not frequently visited by tourists.
One of the oldest mosques in Hama is the al-Hasanein Mosque, located southwest of the citadel mound. Although its origins remain unclear, an inscription near the entrance indicates that it was rebuilt under the rule of Nur al-Din Mahmoud Zenki after sustaining significant damage in the earthquake of 1157. The mosque features a square minaret constructed of black basalt and white limestone, a rectangular prayer hall, and two domes. A tomb is located beneath the eastern dome, which some locals believe to belong to the prophet Jonah, although this attribution is questionable.
Another historically significant mosque in Hama is the al-Aazi Mosque, situated northeast of the citadel mound. It is believed that this mosque might have originally been a church and was later converted into a religious school by Abu Salem Yahyeh Bin Hamzeh al-Aazi in 1259. In 1323, Mohammed Bin Hamzeh al-Aazi transformed the building into a mosque. Despite its modest size and the absence of a minaret, the mosque showcases a ribbed dome resting on an octagonal base above a simple prayer hall.
On the opposite side of the river stands the Abu al-Feda Mosque, arguably the most prominent and impressive of all the historic mosques in Hama. Constructed in 1326 during the reign of Mamluk governor Abu al-Feda, the mosque also serves as his final resting place. Abu al-Feda, renowned for his contributions as a historian and geographer, governed Hama from 1320 until his death in 1331. Born in Damascus and belonging to the Ayyubid family, he spent a significant part of his youth participating in military expeditions against the Crusaders. He is best known for his works, including the Concise History of Humanity and A Sketch of the Countries, which were written in the later years of his life.
The mosque dedicated to Abu al-Feda showcases exquisite stonework, particularly on its southern façade. It is sometimes referred to as the al-Hiyaya Mosque, or the “Serpent’s Mosque,” due to the intricately interlaced stonework surrounding its windows. The mosque consists of a central courtyard, a prayer hall to the south, and a tomb and octagonal minaret to the north. Following significant damage during the 1982 conflict, the mosque underwent reconstruction to restore its former glory.
Hama, with its captivating norias and historic mosques, offers visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Syria. The city’s ancient water wheels, dating back centuries, stand today as a testament to its past reliance on innovative irrigation techniques. The mosques, constructed during the Seljuq and Mamluk periods, not only serve as places of worship but also reflect the artistic and architectural prowess of the time. From the al-Hasanein Mosque to the al-Aazi Mosque and the awe-inspiring Abu al-Feda Mosque, each site tells a story of its own, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of Hama’s cultural legacy.
