Al-Qasr Mosque in Baghdad: A Study of its General Conditions until the Mongol’s Occupation in (656 AH / 1258 AD)

Abstract

Al-Qasr Mosque in Baghdad is one of the most prominent mosques that were built in Baghdad during the Abbasid era. It was distinguished by its official position and its privileged location in relation to the Abbasid Caliphate. The mosque represented the official channel of the Abbasid state, especially during the last three centuries of the Abbasid era. In addition, the official decisions of designation to caliphs, sultans and judges as well as other caliphate decisions related to economic were all announced in it. The mosque also witnessed some incidents that often reflected the objections of public opinion against the Abbasid state at that time. Through all of that, the mosque had a prominent position among the places of worship in Baghdad. The mosque continued to play an intellectual role until the Mongol occupation of Baghdad in (656 AH / 1258 AD), when its role became less effective than before.