Al-Nejashi is said to be the first mosque in Africa. It is named after Nejashi, ruler of the Kingdom of Aksum, who hosted companions of the Prophet Muhammad who escaped persecution in Mecca
In May 2024, Ethiopian and Turkish officials announced the final stages of initiating the restoration of the Al-Nejashi Mosque, a historic landmark significant to both nations. The Al-Nejashi Mosque, believed to be the first mosque built in Africa, also holds deep significance for Muslims worldwide. The restoration project will ensure this historic landmark is preserved for generations to come.
H.E. Amb. Berk Baran, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkiye to Ethiopia, and Mr. Enver Resulogullari, the new Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) Program Coordinator, met with State Ministers of Tourism to discuss the final steps for the project. These steps include kicking off the restoration work and coordinating the official handover of the site in
the next few months.
The restoration will be overseen by a team of experts identified by TIKA and supervised by the Ethiopian Heritage Authority and the Regional Culture and Tourism Bureau. This collaborative approach ensures the project adheres to the highest conservation standards while respecting the mosque’s cultural significance.
Al-Nejashi is said to be the first mosque in Africa. It is named after Nejashi, ruler of the Kingdom of Aksum, who hosted companions of the Prophet Muhammad who escaped persecution in Mecca.
Sources: Ministry of Tourism and Anadolu Agency