Century-Old Mosque in Basra Preserves Historic Lock, Wooden Gate
Al-Zuheiriya Mosque, located in the heart of Al-Zubair, stands as one of the few religious sites in southern Iraq that has retained architectural elements from over a century ago. These include a locally made wooden door and an iron lock engraved with the name of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib.
The historic mosque’s long-time caretaker and muezzin, Abdul Nasser Luqman, said the lock remains functional and unchanged since the mosque was established.
“The lock mounted on the door is the same one since the mosque was founded 125 years ago and has never been replaced,” Luqman told 964media. “It still works perfectly.”
Originally, the key was nearly one meter in length. Luqman explained that he later shortened it to make it easier to carry, though it remains in use.
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Crafted with traditional tools, the door was built from local wood and reflects the methods and skills of early builders. Luqman noted that the engraved name of Imam Ali (AS) adds spiritual value to the entrance.
Although the mosque was rebuilt with bricks in 1988, the original wooden gate was left intact. “The gate remained unchanged,” he said.
Luqman also recounted incidents when worshippers were inadvertently locked inside after prayers. In such cases, he would be contacted at home to unlock the gate with the only key. “Sometimes after prayers, the door is shut from outside, and some worshippers get locked in. They call me or send someone to my home to get the only key,” he said.
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He began attending the mosque in 1993 and became the muezzin after 2005, receiving an official appointment two years later. In this role, he is responsible for calling the faithful to prayer, traditionally from the mosque’s minaret.
According to Luqman, the mosque sees its highest attendance during Ramadan, particularly at Maghrib and Isha prayers. He said that iftar meals are regularly offered in the courtyard to both residents and visitors.
Source: Agencies
