The Tajdit Mosque (Arabic: مسجد تاجديت) is an Ibadi religious building situated in Djerba, Tunisia, it was built during the late Reign years of Abd al-Wahhab ibn Abd al-Rahman the second Rustamid Imam, with the help of his governor in Djerba, it was finished in the late 9th century by Abd al Wahhab's son Aflah.
| Tajdit Mosque | |
|---|---|
مسجد تاجديت | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Islam |
| Branch/tradition | Ibadi |
| Location | |
| Municipality | Djerba |
| Cercle | Tunisia |
| Architecture | |
| Founder | Abd al-Wahhab ibn Abd al-Rahman Aflah Ibn Abd Al-Wahhab |
| Completed | late 9th century |
Etymology
editThe word "Tajdit" means "New" in Berber, meaning it is likely its name translates to the "New Mosque".
History
edit
The Mosque was ordered by second Rustamid Imam, Abd al-Wahhab ibn Abd al-Rahman, and was estimated to have started construction in the beginning of the 3rd century Hijri, which translates to the 800s, during his late reign years.[1] It is located in the countryside of Djerba.[2] Its Mihrab was built by a certain Abu Messeouar Fecil.[3] Salem Ben Yagoub confirms that Tajdit was indeed built on the orders of the Rustamid State. According to him, the madrasa developed as soon as the mosque was created, and there used to be structures around the place of worship to accommodate lessons, students, and teachers, as evidenced by mounds of earth still around the area. He also estimates that the mosque was fully constructed in the end of the 3rd century Hijri, during the rule of Aflah. As far as the 870s.[clarify][4] According to R. Mrabet, the study of the building establishes that it underwent a significant modification in a distant era; the prayer hall was then much smaller than it is today, and the north arcade, which still bears traces of decoration, would belong to this original core. Referring to the fact that local oral tradition associates the mosque with the ninth century.[5] Many reconstructions occurred during the next few centuries, we know this due to changes in size, Tajdit had some cheikhs whose names were preserved, Yusuf al-Ibadi who died in the beginning of the 6th century Hijri (12th century AD), and two other sheikhs during the 7th century Hijri (13th Century AD).[1]
Size and appearance
editThe mosque spans a total area of 4700 m2, with a built area of 2534 m2. Its prayer hall, at the center of the mosque, stands on a square plan measuring 11 meters on each side. Surrounded by an open courtyard and various annexes, the mosque boasts massive white walls and sturdy protruding buttresses, evoking the appearance of a fortress. Adding to its defensive features, the mosque's 1.5-meter-high enclosure is pierced with loopholes. A square minaret, situated in the northeast corner of the prayer hall, is crowned with a lantern in the shape of a small bulbous dome, it also houses a quranic school.[6] It was the front image of a poster when UNESCO announced Djerba as a heritage in 2023.[7]
References
edit- ^ a b Prevost, Virginie (2023-10-06). Résistance et dévotion: Anciens sanctuaires ibadites de Djerba (in French). British Institute for Libyan and Northern African Studies. ISBN 978-1-915808-04-2.
- ^ "On the trail of Djerba's mosques". TunisiaTourism.info (in French). Retrieved 2024-04-01.
- ^ Brulard, Armand Auteur du texte (1885). Monographie de l'île de Djerba / par A. Brulard,...
- ^ Salem, Ben Yagoub. Histoire de l'île de Djerba et de ses savants ibadhites. p. 214.
- ^ R, Mrabet. مداونات مساجد جربة. p. 86.
- ^ "Mosquées Historiques de Djerba Guide du Patrimoine UNESCO" (in French). 2023-09-30. Retrieved 2024-04-01.
- ^ "Le patrimoine de l'île de Djerba en Tunisie sur la Liste du patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO" (in French). 2023-09-19. Retrieved 2024-04-01.