Historic Suleymaniye Mosque in Damascus Reopens for Friday Prayers After 15 Years

Friday prayers have been held at the historic Suleymaniye Complex in Syria’s capital, Damascus, for the first time in 15 years, following extensive restoration work.

A large number of worshippers gathered at the centuries-old Ottoman-era mosque on Friday to perform congregational prayers.

Built in the 16th century during the reign of Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, the historic complex is locally known as the Tekké Mosque.

The mosque suffered extensive damage after the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011. As a result, all congregational prayers and religious activities at the site were suspended for many years.

Recently, the relevant authorities and restoration teams undertook extensive work to repair structural damage and restore the mosque to its original historical appearance.

Following the completion of the restoration, religious authorities approved the resumption of regular weekly Friday prayers at the mosque.

On Friday, worshippers filled the mosque’s main prayer hall and spacious courtyard, with large crowds gathering to attend the prayers.

Local residents expressed relief, excitement and emotion at returning to a place of worship that had been familiar and cherished for generations after more than a decade of closure.

Observers say the reopening of the historic mosque marks an important step towards restoring normal life and preserving Damascus’s cultural and religious heritage after years of devastating conflict.

However, many historic sites across war-ravaged Syria remain closed or are still awaiting restoration.