Lost in Jerusalem: The Nabi ‘Ukkasha Mosque and Tomb
Author: 
Penny Johnson
Raja Shehadeh
Digital Section: 
Reports and testimonies
Special Feature: 
Subaltern Archaeology (Part 1)
Keyword: 
Jerusalem
mosque
shrine
Buraq/Wailing Wall
religious protection
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Abstract: 

An exploration of the deserted Nabi ‘Ukkasha mosque and tomb in western Jerusalem that only one hundred years ago welcomed worshippers to the shrine of a companion of Prophet Muhammad. The significance of the site, its history, including its desecration in 1929, and its current lack of protection are highlighted. The essay is part of the authors’ ongoing book project of lost or forgotten memorials, monuments, and places in historic Palestine.

Author biography: 

Penny Johnson, a writer and researcher based in Ramallah, is a member of the JQ editorial committee. Her most recent book is Companions in Conflict: Animals in Occupied Palestine (Melville House Publishing, 2019).

Raja Shehadeh is a lawyer and author based in Ramallah. His latest book is We Could Have Been Friends, My Father and I (Profile Books, 2022). This essay is from the authors’ ongoing book project exploring lost memorials, monuments, and places in historic Palestine.