Ibn Uthman Mosque

The mosque was founded by Sheikh Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Uthman ibn Umar ibn Abdullah al-Nabulsi al-Maqdisi and its name is attributed to him. Born in Nablus, he moved to Gaza where he became locally well known as a holy man. According to Muslim scholar and historian al-Sakhawi, the mosque is also the tomb of one of Gaza's short-lived governors, Sa'd al-Din Yilkhuja al-Nasiri, writing "He was buried in the mosque of Ibn Uthman, outside Gaza." , UNESCO confirmed that the mosque was one of more than 150 cultural properties with damage, assessed on satellite imagery. ==Architecture==

The plan of the Ibn Uthman Mosque follows the traditional layout of Mamluk-era mosques. Its total area is , making it the second largest Muslim edifice in Gaza. A courtyard measuring is situated in the center of the complex and is bordered on all four sides by porticoes. There are two entrance portals both situated at the western facade. Between the two portals stands the minaret which consists of a base, a double-story octagonal shaft, and a gallery. Behind the facade are three chambers, one of which is occupied by the tomb of Yilkhuja al-Nasiri. The other two serve various functions. The four porticoes are each divided into two parts by rows of pillars, all of which are covered by cross-vaults. The original portico was built in front of the qibla ("direction towards Kaaba"). The northern and southern porticoes contain pointed arches carried by square pillars. Consisting of a semi-circular niche topped by a dome, the mihrab ("prayer niche" directed towards Kaaba) of Emir Sanjar is a "unique masterpiece" according to Islamic architecture expert Mu'en Sadeq. The mihrab is inlaid with marble plating. The minbar ("pulpit") is also built out of marble. ==See also==