Tuesday 18 August 2009

Dr Zahi Hawass visits Luxor – part 3 Mosque of Abu Haggag

The last stop on Dr Zahi Hawass tour of Luxor was the formal opening of the renovated mosque. We left the temple of Hatshepsut and proceed to the Nile and Ibrahim Soliman was waiting for us with motor boats which took us across the Nile. A short walk to Luxor temple and he escorted us through the temple as a short cut to the mosque. There was a formal reception with a video describing the renovations. Then we proceed in to the mosque, there was a huge surge of men going into the left hand side of the mosque to the rhythmic chanting of the men. It was a powerful and emotional scene. I snuck round the right-hand side and took some photos. I do encourage you to visit this mosque it is really interesting and you will be very welcome. Avoid prayer times obviously. Back in Dec 2007 I visited the mosque when the renovations had just started. I think the pictures speak for themselves I have tried to match the shots.


















5 comments:

Timothy Reid said...

Hi Jane

Terrific post and excellent pictures.

Kate Phizackerley said...

Are women welcome in the Mosque?
Kate

Jane Akshar said...

Women are very, very welcome. I have taken guests in loads of times before the refurbishment. I have not altered my dress in any way except taking my shoes off. I generally am wearing trousers and sleeves down to my elbows or longer and nothing on my head. No problems what so ever

I have always got the impression they are really pleased to see visitors and delighted to show off their mosque

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Jane Akshar said...

Thanks Ted