Archaeologists and historians have recently discovered the site of one of the oldest mosques in the world found in Rahat, Negev, Israel. The historians and archaeologists who discovered this site directly believe that it is a mosque site because the ancient building faces Mecca, Saudi Arabia. where the Kaaba is located.
Citing the Middle East Monitor, officials from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) estimate that the remains of the mosque are more than 1,200 years old. The rest of this building was discovered during work to build a new neighborhood in Rahat.
"The rest of the building is rectangular in shape and the walls face towards Makkah with a semicircular niche in the wall facing south. This unique architectural feature indicates that the building was used as a mosque," the IAA said in a statement.
Later, the mosques excavated at Rahat will be preserved at their current location. And will be used as a historical monument or as an active place of worship. The IAA also believes the findings highlight the region's transition from Christianity to Islam.
"(The remains of the building) show the historical process that took place in the northern Negev with the introduction of a new religion, Islam, including a new ruler and culture in the region. The building was erected in stages, inheriting the previous Byzantine government and Christianity which held sway over the land. this for hundreds of years."
