Abu'l-Fida Mosque

The Abu'l-Fida Mosque, also known by its colloquial name Jami’ al-Hayyat or the “Mosque of the Serpents,” is a historical mosque and mausoleum complex situated in Hama, Syria. Located on the picturesque banks of the Orontes River, the complex holds significance from both the Ayyubid and Mamluk eras.

Historical Context and Construction

The mausoleum, a key component of the complex, was commissioned and erected by al-Mu’ayyid Isma’il in 1327 CE, during the Ayyubid period. The mosque itself, however, dates from the subsequent Mamluk era. Adjacent to the mosque complex, historical accounts mention a large walled garden, now largely extant.

Architectural Features

The complex is organized around a small central courtyard, known as a sahn, of which two of the original four gates remain. The north gate, dating from the Ayyubid period, provides access to the courtyard and the Mausoleum of al-Mu’ayyid. This mausoleum is characterized by its limestone construction and a domed brick roof, reflecting the Ayyubid architectural style. Contrasting with the mausoleum's materials, an attached limestone minaret was completed using black basalt and limestone, showcasing a distinct stylistic choice.

Unique Design Elements

The mosque's haram, or sacred space, is positioned to the south of the sahn and faces the River Orontes. Most of the surviving structures of the mosque date to the Mamluk period. A particularly distinctive feature of the mosque are its two windows, each adorned with a central pillar intricately carved in the shape of intertwined snakes. This unique motif is the origin of its popular name, Jami’ al-Hayyat, or the “Mosque of the Serpents.” Both the mausoleum and the minaret are noted to be in their original states.