Renovation of the Chandeliers at the Grand Mosque in Khartoum, Sudan.

Khartoum Grand Mosque Chandelier Renovation (2015)

Khartoum is the capital of Sudan, located at the confluence of the White Nile and the Blue Nile, known as Al Mukrin, where these two rivers merge to form the Nile River. Khartoum is the administrative center of Sudan, and its establishment as the capital dates back to the nineteenth century.

A British map from 1817 does not indicate the presence of a city at the confluence of the White and Blue Nile rivers. Khartoum experienced significant architectural and administrative development during the Ottoman period. People from Turkey, Egypt, Greece, and other nations migrated to the city.

Muhammad Osman Bey Al Defterdar, appointed as General Commander by Muhammad Ali Pasha in 1822, chose Khartoum as the administrative center.

Mosque Location

The Great Mosque of Khartoum is a part of modern Sudanese history. The mosque is one of the city’s important architectural and Islamic landmarks. It is considered a place of learning and historical significance, and is frequently visited.

The Great Mosque of Khartoum is located in the city’s main square, known as Abbas Square, named after Khedive Abbas Hilmi II.

The area where the mosque was built was known as the Al Sheikh Imam Bin Muhammad Al Fakih Al Mahsi cemetery area before the arrival of the Turks.

The mosque is situated in the center of Khartoum. Its north gate opens onto the street extending to the end of the railway, its west gate onto the street leading to the White Nile, and its east gate onto the street extending to the Khartoum Bahri. Khartoum, which was recognized as the capital of the country in 1830 during the Ottoman period, was planned according to Islamic urban planning principles, with a mosque located in the center of the city, considered its central hub, axis of movement, and common point.

This mosque holds an important place in modern Arab urban planning and is considered the center of life in the city.

Reconstruction and Restoration Works of the Great Mosque of Khartoum:

The idea of ​​building a mosque was first proposed in 1864 during the reign of Hurşit Pasha, and construction began in 1245 AH. Seven years after its construction, it was expanded in 1253 AH, and Friday prayers were held there on 7 Jumada al-Awwal 1253 AH.

The mosque was officially opened on December 4, 1901, during a visit by Khedive Abbas Hilmi II, but some of the interior construction was completed in 1902, and it was later further developed by King Fuad and his son, King Farouk.

On November 13, 2012, Sudan and Egypt signed an agreement for the reconstruction and renovation of the Great Mosque of Khartoum. The project was undertaken by Al Mukavilon Al Arab company and the Egyptian Ministry of Endowments. However, due to the high cost, this contract was not implemented.

Architectural Plan

The mosque has a square plan measuring 45×45 meters. There are 36 columns within the prayer hall. Architecturally, it closely resembles the architecture of the late Ottoman period in the Egyptian region.

Maintenance Works by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA)

In accordance with the cooperation protocol signed in May 2014 between the TİKA Khartoum Program Coordination Office and the Khartoum State representing the Sudanese Government; TİKA renovated the mosque’s electrical system and installed chandeliers. The project was completed and submitted to the General Assembly of Antiquities and Museums.

Survey, restitution, restoration, and landscaping projects have been completed.