They are located west of the Rock’s nave. They were built by Prince Nasser Al-Din Muhammad Nashashibi, during the reign of Sultan Ashraf Abu Nasr Qait Bey in the Mamluk period, specifically in 877 AH / 1472 AD. These arche are of the most recent ones in the Rock’s nave. They are located across As-Silsila Gate, right next to An-Nahwiyyah School. They consist of 3 entrnces. Going up them is so tiresome, because their steps are too narrow. The historian Mujair Al-Din said there was a narrow staircase in their place.
The Southwestern Arches
They are two great rocks in the sides and two marble pillars in the middle. They are 7 meters high and are connected to a stone staircase which consists of twenty-four steps. There is a small niche in the wall.
- Built
- 877 AH / 1472 CE
- Built by
- Prince Nasser Al-Din Mohammed Nashashibi
- Era
- Mamluk
- Place
- Al-Aqsa Mosque
Arches
Other landmarks in the same category
All (8)The Southern Arches
The Southern Arches are located towards Al-Qibli Mosque and lead to the Ka’as in the middle of the southern side of the Rock’s nave.
The Southeastern Arches
The arches consist of two huge rocks in the sides, and two marble cylindrical pillars in the middle. They have 19 stone steps. They are about 6.5 - 7 meters high.
The Eastern Arches
The Eastern Arches consist of two huge rocks and 4 marble cylindrical pillars. The reach the eastern court of the Rock’s nave, by 25 steps. They are 6.5 meters high.
The Northeastern Arches
They are two great arches from the sides and two cylindrical columns in the center, with 7 meters height, the arches are located on the eastern side of Al-Aqsa Mosque and specifically the northern end of the Dome of the Rock.
Northern Arches
The Northern Arches are located on the road that links Sharaf Al-Anbiya’a Gate with the Rock’s nave.
Northwestern Arches
The Northwestern Arches consist of two big rocks on the sides and 3 cylindrical pillars in the middle. Its stone ladder has 23 steps. The arches are 7 meters high.
The Western Arches
The Western Arches consist of two huge rocks and 3 cylindrical pillars in the middle. They have 24 steps that lead to the Rock’s nave from the western court of the mosque.