Old mosques, temples, and churches of Aden [Archives:2002/32/Culture]
August 5 2002
BY NASREEN SOOMAR – ADEN
FOR THE YEMEN TIMES
Aden is a Yemeni city with a great history that dates back to more than 3,000 years and was always famous for being a trade hub where merchants used to transport, import, and export their various goods.
Having a long beach that covers it almost from all sides, Aden remains the most open Yemeni city to the world, particularly in religious aspects. Aden served as the home city of fascinated generations of different races and religions who lived in the city for long periods of time and left it with manifesting impressions of fond and beautiful memories leaving behind temples, churches, and mosques some that were built centuries ago.
Among the religious fascinations in Aden are several religious buildings resembled in mosques, temples, and churches. Here a few examples were selected.
The Aden Mosque
The Aden Mosque is among the oldest mosques in the Aden City. The mosque was built by Aban Bin Affan Bin Alhakam Bin Othman Bin Affan. Aban, a grand grandchild of third Muslmi Khalifa Othman bin Affan lived a religious life and was known for his admiration of Aden as a city. He died in Al-Madina Al-Munawwara in 763 AH (After Hijra). This mosque was rebuilt many times, and in the year 1996 AD it was completely demolished and reconstructed into a real mosque in the same location, resulting in the loss of its historical characteristics. The mosque was characterized by beautiful ornamentation.
Aidrous Mosque
This mosque is considered one of the famous mosques in Aden City and is situated in the Aidrous neighborhood of Aden. It was built by Wali Said Abubakar Bin Abdulla Bin Abubaker Al-Aidrous, who came to Aden City in 1458 AD and died in1508 AD.
Alhashimi Mosque
The Alhashimi mosque is located on Alhashimi Street in the Sheik Othman district and is ascribed to Hashm Bahar before it was demolished by some Islamic extremists in 1997.
Three pillars forming an oblong shape built in the year 1960 were ornamented in the front side of the mosque. The construction of a replacement mosque is currently taking place.
Alasqalani Mosque
It is located on Alasqalani Street and was quite famous for having a number of great religious scholars. The mosque was demolished and rebuilt in the 1960s.
Other old mosques
Among other old mosques in Aden are Aliraq Mosque, Alnoor Mosque both built in 1959 AD, Alrahman Mosque built in 1963 AD, Alrida Mosque built in 1967 AD, in addition to a number of other old mosques.
Aden City also has some relics of Hindu temples and Jewish synagogues because of the presence of Hindu and Jewish communities in the past.
Shree Tricamiraiji- Haveli Temple
Located in Craters Alasqacani Street, the temple was constructed in the year 1862 AD.
Sharee Ramji Temple
Located near the Police Academy College in Tawahi district, it was built in 1875 AD.
Hanoman Temple
Located in Sheik Othman district, the temple was accommodated in two lodgings for the Indian community. The temple was built in the year 1882 AD.
Shree Jain Temple
Located in Crater, it was also built in1882 AD.
Shree Natajee Nandhir and Shree Shankar Hanoman Temples
Both temples are located in Crater and were built inside a large cave in the nineteenth century.
Shree Century
Located in Holkat Bay in Crater, the century had a 99-year lease signed on 29th June 1932 AD.
Aden City also has a number of churches. Before independence of former South Yemen 3,500 Christians used to live in Aden City, and the most famous churches in Aden City are:
Saint Anthony Church
Built in the year 1839 AD, the St. Anthony church is located in the Tawahi district and a school was attached to it. In the past, the school was called Tarist Brothers school.
This church was built in the year 1850 AD and is located in Crater. There is a school named St. Josephs High School attached to this church. This school was once called the Roman Catholic Mission School.
St. Mary Church
St. Mary church is located on the hill opposite the group of Banks constructed in the Year 1871 AD in Aden. It was used for many purposes. Now it is serving as the building of the criminal technical investigation department.
Another unnamed church in Tawahi district built in the year 1692 AD is located in the Hafoon area.
Danish Mission School / Bookshop
Facts reveal that there was a Danish Mission in Crater in the 20th century. It ran a school by the name of Danish Mission School. It also had a bookshop called D.A Bookshop.
Keith Falkoner Mission Hospital/School
There also was a Christian mission located at Sheik Othman called Reith F. Mission. It ran both a hospital and a school under the same name. However, at a later stage the hospital was renamed to Dr. Affra Hospital.
This variety in the different religious buildings in Aden, many which are preserved until today, stands as an example of the tolerance and understanding of Islam as a religion and Muslims of Aden as a people. The ones running and operating whatever temples and churches active in Aden emphasize that the non-Muslim foreign communities living in Aden are freely practicing their religious duties peacefully and without any disturbance. The authorities in the governorate of Aden have expressed their readiness and willingness to do whatever possible to provide those communities with any facilities they need to practice their religions with ease and comfort.
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