Mosque of Abu el-Haggag, Luxor Temple

Perched above the colonnade several meters above the ground is a colorful mosque. It has been rebuilt many times, and when the Temple was excavated in th elast century, the town that had grown up over the temple had to be demolished

A mosque in the temple, at new "ground level"
A mosque in the temple, at new “ground level”

Even though another mosque has been built nearby, locals still prefer this one and it is in use — although I assume that the door that opens thirty feet off the ground is barred!

Most of the moque is 19th century, although the northern minaret is much older.  The people of Luxor refused to alow the mosque ot be demolished, so it remains on top of the bricked in columns.

Minaret and dome of the mosque inside the temple
Minaret and dome of the mosque inside the temple
Enameled tile-work around the 'old" entrance to the mosque, before excavation
Enameled tile-work around the ‘old” entrance to the mosque, before excavation

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