Maqam an-Nabi Yusha'
Legendary tomb of Joshua; former Shi'ite mosque in Israel
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The Maqam an-Nabi Yusha' (Arabic: مقام النبي يوشع) is a former Shi'ite mosque and the shrine, now in a partial ruinous state, located in the depopulated village of Al-Nabi Yusha' in Safed, in the Northern District of Israel. A mausoleum in the structure, one of the historic maqams in the Middle East, is believed to entomb the remains of the biblical Joshua.[1][2][3][4][5]
| Maqam an-Nabi Yusha' | |
|---|---|
مقام النبي يوشع | |
Maqam an-Nabi Yusha' in 2022 | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Shia Islam (former) |
| Status | Inactive (partial ruins) |
| Location | |
| Location | Safad, Northern District |
| Country | Israel |
 Interactive map of Maqam an-Nabi Yusha' | |
| Coordinates | 33°06′46″N 35°33′24″E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Islamic architecture |
| Completed | 18th century |
| Specifications | |
| Dome | Two |
| Shrines | One: Joshua (desecrated) |
History
The religious complex was founded in the 18th century by the aristocratic Alghul family.[5][3][6] During the Mandate period, the residents of Al-Nabi Yusha' (who were mostly Shi'ites) celebrated an annual mawsim festival at the site dedicated to the entombed prophet.[5][3] In 2018, the site was vandalized by unknown perpetrators, who sprayed Talmudic graffiti on its walls.[7]
Architecture
The Maqam an-Nabi Yusha' is a rectangular structure formed around a courtyard aligned north–south with an arched entrance on the north end while the two domed chambers, including the shrine-mausoleum, were located on the south end of the complex.[1][2][6] The shrine is surrounded by fig trees and species of cactus growing around it.[5]
Gallery
The Maqam an-Nabi Yusha', c. 1930s, before it was ruined
The interior of the shrine-mausoleum, the simple grave dedicated to Joshua is visible in front of the mihrab, painted in white
Courtyard of the Maqam an-Nabi Yusha'
Ruins of the hallways of the mosque
Inside the mosque part's main chamber
