Perched inside the walls of Acre's old city overlooking the eastern Mediterranean Sea, the el-Jazzar Mosque—also known as the White Mosque—is a magnificent sight dominating the city's skyline. Built in 1781 by Ahmad Pasha el-Jazzar, the Ottoman governor famous for defeating Napoleon Bonaparte, this remarkable complex served to consolidate his political legitimacy while creating an impressive religious center. Remarkably, el-Jazzar designed the plans and supervised construction himself despite having no formal architectural training.
As you explore the grounds, you will discover the largest mosque in modern-day Israel outside Jerusalem, showcasing a vibrant blend of Ottoman Byzantine, Palestinian, and Persian styles. The structure itself incorporates recycled marble and granite taken from ancient ruins like Caesarea, Atlit, and medieval Acre. When you visit, you can admire the complex's sweeping courtyard, green dome, and towering minaret.
Outside the entrance gate, look for six blue-marble engraved poetic verses written by Judge Yusuf bin Ahmad al-Rimawi al-Hashemi. Within the complex, you will also see an Islamic theological academy, an Islamic court, a public library, a green-domed sabil kiosk, and a mausoleum housing the tombs of Jazzar Pasha and his successor Sulayman Pasha. Inside the women's upper floor gallery, a glass cabinet holds a sacred relic: a lock of hair from the Prophet Muhammad's beard.
What to see at Jezzar Pasha Mosque
- Ottoman architecture with a iconic green dome and 124-step winding minaret
- Recycled marble and granite pillars sourced from ancient Caesarea, Atlit, and Acre
- Mysterious poetic verses by a historic judge engraved in blue marble at the entrance gate
- A sacred glass cabinet holding a hair from the beard of the Prophet Muhammad
- Adjacent mausoleum and graveyard containing the tombs of Jazzar Pasha and Sulayman Pasha
Visiting tips
Look above the marble disc inside the entrance gate to view a royal tughra (monogram) bearing the inscription 'ever-victorious.'
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Early morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Jezzar Pasha Mosque is easy to reach on Acre’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Acre travel guide.
See the full Acre travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.