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This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.
This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

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Habib-I Naccar Mosque

Habib-i Neccar Mahallesi 31060 Merkez/Antakya/Hatay, Turkey

WEB SITE N/A
RELIGIONS Islam

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELIGIOUS SITE

DESCRIPTION
The complex of Habib-i Naccar is located in downtown of Antakya. In addition to the mosque, there are two tombs, cells of madrasah (school) and a fountain for ablution. The first construction of the mosque dates back to 7th century when Muslims took the city. It was converted to a church under the Crusaders between 1098 and 1268. When the Mamluk Sultan Baybars took the city, it was rebuilt as a mosque. The building was restored several times in the 18th and 19th centuries. The pilgrimage site in which there are tombs. In addition to Habib-I Naccar, the tombs are presented as they are of John the Baptis, St. Peter and Jonah.
HISTORICAL RELEVANCE
The importance for the Muslims comes from the story told in the Koran in surah of Yasin. According to Muslim tradition, Habib-i Neccar was the man mentioned in the Qur’an (Sura 36). He was a man who lived in the Early Christian Era and upon acceptance of Christianity; he was beheaded by the locals. It is believed that the location where this incident happened was Antioch (ancient Antakya). Muslims, especial with Shiite, Ismaili and Nusayri background, believe that Sham’un al-Safa is Simon Peter, the apostle of Jesus. On the other hand, even Peter visited Antioch, he did not stay there and Catholic tradition puts his death place as Rome. Arab travellers such as Al-Masʿudi (10th c.), Al-Bakri (11th c.), and Abd al- Mu’min Al-Baghdadi (11th c.) and Ibn Batuta (14th c.) stated that Habib Al-Najjar’s tomb is located here. However Al-Qazwini 813th c.) stated that both Habib Al- Najjar’s and tomb of St. John the Baptist were here.
INTER-RELIGIOUS RELEVANCE
This site is a very good example of veneration a local saint by the Muslims and the Christians. It provides empirical evidence that devotees of different religious communities represent, imitate, and stimulate each other’s accounts of the saint. The veneration of Habib-I Neccar provides a shared tradition for Muslims and Christians. The respect by them acknowledges the religious significance of the site.
RELIGIOUS INFLUENCE
Due to complex past of the city of Antakya as well as multi-faith of the population, we can talk about some shared values in the form of veneration of a certain saint. The interesting point is that Habib-I Neccar was mentioned as a historical character by the Muslim historians, even he had lost his life in defending early Christians. His heroic reaction that had cost his life transformed him into a role model for defending the words of God.
HOW TO USE WITH THE STUDENTS
- Direct visit
If possible, a direct visit would be of most value.
- Virtual visit (specify how)
A virtual visit by PPP prepared by the teacher.
- Classroom activity (pre- and post- visit)
A pre-visit research if there is any saints venerated by different faiths within the region where the school is.
This pre-visit research can be expanded to a list of saints venerated by all three faiths.
Post-visit discussion should be how a saint from a different faith may also be regarded as a holy person (and/or saint).
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    This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.