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Begun in 1294 and completed in 1315, the Great Mosque
was built on the ruined 12th century Crusader cathedral of St. Mary of
the Tower.
Its large courtyard is
surrounded by porticos and a domed and vaulted
prayer hall. Inside, one can still see
elements of Western architecture from the old
church, including the northern entrance and
the Lombard style bell tower which was
transformed into the minaret.
The many foundation plaques and decrees inscribed in the
Great Mosque and its surrounding madrassas not only inform us about the
building, but also reveal details of the daily life of the Mamluke
period.
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