Masjid al-Qiblatayn, Zeila, Somalia
“The Masjid al-Qiblatayn in the Somali port of Zeila probably dates to the 7th cent., indicating that the seeds of Islam were planted on the African side of the Gulf of Aden within decades of the prophet’s lifetime.”
The two qiblas remain until today, but they are in such ruinous state that it would take an archeological team to establish their direction. Visitors have reported that the left Qibla appears to face towards Petra.
“The most important port along the Somaliland coast was Zeila, mentioned by name in several Arab documents dating from the 9th cent. onwards. It appears that Zeila took over from Adulis as the main port serving the highlands of Ethiopia.
Epic Somalia Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
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