Eritrea: Massawa – Al Sahaba Mosque

This tiny mosque is located within the territory of the present day port of Massawa, so a special permit and an accompanying guide are required to access it. Al Sahaba aka Mosque of the Companions is one of the oldest mosques in the world, built in early 7th century (sometime between 610-620), built by the first Muslim followers to arrive to Africa (actually companions of prophet Muhammad and possibly his relatives). The mosque doesn’t face Mecca (unlike all other mosques), because Mecca didn’t even exist at the time. The present-day site consists of a large open-air prayer area with a free-standing stone structure that has a mihrab (a niche symbolizing the direction of prayer) and an attached minbar (pulpit) that resembles a miniature minaret. The surrounding port with containers kind of damages the site and views.