Nebi (Akasha) Okasha Mosque Off Strauss Street, Jerusalem
Channel: Daniel Rosehill
Date: 2023-01-02

For most Jerusalemites, Strauss Street — named in honor of Nathan Strauss, who co-owned the popular Macy’s department store — is known as a short street leading from Rechov Yaffo and into the Orthodox neighborhood of Mea Shearim.

One can find a Macabbi clinic along its short stretch. A few bakeries. And seemingly not much else.

But the next time you’re heading northbound on Strauss, keep your eye on the left side of the road - looking in the direction of Davidka Square and the shuq — and you might just spot what looks like a minaret among the nearby apartments. That’s indeed what it is.

Tucked behind the Histadrut Building and behind a car park is a disused mosque that was constructed in the 19th century. 

The mosque is the Nebi Askasha Mosque although it is also known as the Okasha Mosque. Today it stands surrounded by residential buildings and is located just next to a children’s playground.

During the 1800s the hill on which the mosque stands was used as a meeting place by students of the famous Talmudicist the Vilna Gaon. Kabbalists from all sectors of Judaism would gather to study the mysteries of the Kaballah and congregate for Friday night prayers.  

According to Islamic tradition, the hill is the site of the Tomb of the Martyrs. In the 12th century CE, Nebi Akasha Bin Mohsin, one of the disciples of the Prophet Muhammed, was buried there. The mosque is named in his honor. Muslims also believe that soldiers who fought alongside Saladin are buried at the site. 

The mosque was unfortunately attacked during the 1929 Palestine Riots and formally abandoned in 1948. Today it is used as a storage facility by the Jerusalem Municipality.

Thanks for watching. 


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By: Daniel Rosehill 

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