Aleppo – al-Qiqan Mosque حلب – جامع القيقان

The curious al-Qiqan Mosque (جامع القيقان), located at the western edge of the old city of Aleppo (حلب), sits atop an ancient archaeological mound known as Tel al-Aqabeh (تل العقبة‎). This area was incorporated into the city of Aleppo (حلب) during the Hellenistic period, when the city was known as Beroea. Prior to this Tel al-Aqabeh (تل العقبة‎) was an independent village.

While al-Qiqan Mosque (جامع القيقان) is believed to date from the early Mamluk period (12th century), it incorporates numerous elements from earlier places of worship located at the site, including basalt columns at the western entrance and a Hittite relief block located on the southern wall. The latter element would suggest that Tel al-Aqabeh (تل العقبة‎) dates back at least to the Hittite period, if not earlier.

The name al-Qiqan Mosque (جامع القيقان) translates to “Mosque of the Crows”, but the origins of this name are unclear. The mosque is open during regular prayer times, but the external elements of the mosque are of greater interest.

 

Getting There: al-Qiqan Mosque (جامع القيقان) is located less than fifty meters to the north of Bab Antakya (باب انطاكية), the western gate of the old city of Aleppo (حلب). From the interior (eastern) side of Bab Antakya (باب انطاكية), follow the small alleyway that skirts the western wall of the city uphill to the north. al-Qiqan Mosque (جامع القيقان) will be located on the right-hand side just up the hill.

Coordinates: 36°11’58.04″N / 37°09’06.08″E

Transliteration Variants: al-Qeiqan Mosque

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