The White Mosque, also known as the Old Mosque, was built in the 18th century in the heart of the souk and has become one of the symbols of Nazareth. It is the oldest Islamic holy site in Nazareth, its architectural style typical of the period and distinctive for its pencil-thin Ottoman minaret.
The mosque’s first trustee, Sheikh Abdallah al-Fahum, gave the mosque its name to mark the end of the Ottoman Governor al-Jazzar’s bloody rule. White was chosen to symbolize a new era of purity, light and peace to be enjoyed between the faiths in Nazareth. To this day, the mosque's trustee (currently, Ateph El Fahum) reads all the sermons before they are preached to make sure they are fit and honor other religions.
The White Mosque, also known as the Old Mosque, was built in the 18th century in the heart of the souk and has become one of the symbols of Nazareth. It is the oldest Islamic holy site in Nazareth, its architectural style typical of the period and distinctive for its pencil-thin Ottoman minaret.