Al-Masjed Al-Ateq

The oldest mosque in Libya.
Al-Masjed Al-Ateq is the oldest mosque in the western north & South African region,this Mosque is located in Awjilah City, Libya
The present building dates to the 12th century. It was restored in the 1980s.
There is a palm tree post on each side of the entrance gate to the mosque enclosure. The unusual mud brick building covers an area of 400 square metres (4,300 sq ft) and is roofed by 21 conical domes made of mud brick and limestone. Each dome has small openings so that light can enter the building. The domes also serve to keep the interior cool, providing a form of natural air conditioning.
The walls are 40 centimetres (16 in) thick. Nine doors lead into the interior of the building, where the many pillars and arches create a spacious, light, cool and calm environment. Beside the mihrab there is a recessed niche for the minbar, where the prayer leader stands.
Awjila is an historic oasis deep in the Libyan desert about 260 kilometers south of Ajdabia.