Daraa, July 2 (SANA)The historic Al-Omari Mosque in the southern Syrian city of Daraa has been added to the heritage lists of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), a move Syrian officials say will strengthen international efforts to preserve one of the country’s oldest Islamic landmarks.

The mosque, which dates back to the early years following the Islamic conquest of the Levant in the seventh century, is regarded as one of the oldest mosques in the region and an important example of early Islamic architecture.

Mohammad Nasrallah, head ofDaraa‘s Antiquities Department, told SANA that historical sources attribute the mosque’s original construction to the era of Caliph Omar ibn al-Khattab, after whom it is named.

He said the mosque underwent successive expansions and restoration during the Umayyad, Ayyubid, Mamluk and Ottoman periods, giving it architectural features from several Islamic eras while preserving its historic character.

According to Nasrallah, archaeological studies indicate the mosque was built over the remains of Roman and Byzantine structures, highlighting Daraa’s long history as one of the region’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.

The mosque features a spacious courtyard, arcades, a stone prayer hall, a historic pulpit and a distinctive square minaret combining Ayyubid and Mamluk architectural elements. Its extensive use of black basalt, a hallmark of the Hauran region, gives the structure its distinctive appearance.

Beyond its religious role, the mosque has historically served as a center for education and community life, hosting lessons in the Quran, Hadith, Islamic jurisprudence and the Arabic language, while serving as a venue for religious, social and national events.

Nasrallah said restoration work has been carried out following damage sustained duringSyria‘s years of war. The project included documentation, conservation and structural repairs carried out in accordance with recognized scientific standards and in coordination with local communities.

He said the mosque’s inclusion on theICESCO heritage listswould enhance international cooperation in heritage preservation, technical assistance, training and future restoration projects, while promoting its status among the Islamic world’s leading cultural and historical landmarks.F.J./ABD