# Habib-I Neccar Mosque

Habib-i Neccar, the first mosque of Anatolia, will be restored

The historical mosque, which was built when Antakya was captured by the Muslim Arabs in 638, was destroyed in the earthquakes in Pazarcık and Elbistan on 6 February. Art historians stepped in at the Habib-i Neccar Mosque, which is among the important centers for Christians as well as Muslims, due to the fact that the three envoys of Jesus Christ are buried in its courtyard. 16 scientists and 21 students from 9 universities are participating in the rescue work carried out to restore the historical structure, known as the first mosque built in Anatolia, under the Disaster Area Excavation Directorate. Teams are trying to save the quality works of the mosque, which is a symbol of tolerance, brotherhood and peace, from the area that turned into rubble. It is aimed to restore the mosque with meticulous work under the chairmanship of Associate Professor Muhammet Arslan, Head of the Department of Art History at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences of Kafkas University. The head of the excavation, Muhammet Arslan, stated that the earthquakes caused great destruction in the Habib-i Neccar Mosque, one of the symbols of the city, and said, "Unfortunately, the top cover covering the sanctuary completely collapsed inside, the last congregation place was destroyed, and its minaret was completely destroyed and the courtyard was turned into debris." "Our first goal is to reach the epitaphs in a healthy way" Arslan stated that they made great efforts to save the valuable cultural assets in the wreckage of the registered building. Stating that the rescue efforts were carried out meticulously, Arslan said: "There are important epitaphs on the entrance portal, minaret and pulpit of the mosque. Our first goal is to reach these epitaphs in a healthy manner. Apart from this, we have unique wooden door wings at the crown door that gives the entrance to the harem. The door wings of the pulpit are also unique. Another aim is to remove them in a solid manner. Especially in the narthex, there are column capitals with stalactite and reused materials. There is colorful stone work on the crown door. We aim to reach all the quality materials in the mosque in a healthy way and to protect them. We hope that all our historical buildings, especially the Habib-i Neccar Mosque, will be restorated to serve the ancient culture of Antakya."