Talha Mosque

Located in the western part of Sanaa's Old City District, Talha Mosque (or Qubbat Talha) offers you a captivating glimpse into Yemen's rich architectural history. Built between 1619 and 1620 by order of Ottoman Wali Hadji Mehmed Pasha during the first Ottoman occupation, it was later partially restored in 1831–1832 by Imam al-Mahdi Abdallah. As a complex, it includes a prayer hall, minaret, courtyard, bathing rooms, swimming pool, and hospice.

You will admire how it successfully blends Ottoman and Yemeni architectural styles, mirroring some features of the Al-Bakiriyya Mosque while fitting seamlessly among narrow historic streets. Entering through a four-dome portico with two arched walkways, you will find a rectangular prayer hall featuring a semi-circular stucco-decorated dome supported by an octagonal drum, corner towers, and vaulted arched sails rather than traditional wooden ceilings. Arched windows in the drum fill the hall with light.

On the southeast corner stands the short minaret, which often appears in photos as a pinnacle on the dome and features unique Yemeni diamond motif amulets around its balcony alongside stylized sorghum floral decor.

What to see at Talha Mosque

• Historic complex featuring a prayer hall, courtyard, bathing rooms, pool, and hospice
• Four-dome entrance portico leading to a stucco-decorated semi-circular dome
• Distinctive short minaret decorated with protective diamond motifs and floral sorghum designs
• Architectural fusion of Ottoman Empire and traditional Yemeni styles

Visiting tips

Position your camera at a creative angle in the Old City District to capture the short minaret looking just like a pinnacle resting atop the mosque's dome.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Early morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Talha Mosque is easy to reach on Sanaa’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Great Mosque of Sana'a and Al Saleh Mosque. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Sanaa travel guide.