Ancient mosque in Israel's Negev desert - in pictures

  • An aerial view of a recently discovered mosque in the Bedouin town of Rahat in Israel's southern Negev desert. All photos by AFP
    An aerial view of a recently discovered mosque in the Bedouin town of Rahat in Israel's southern Negev desert. All photos by AFP
  • The discovery of the site, which dates back to the period between the seventh and eighth centuries, was made during extensive archeological excavations.
    The discovery of the site, which dates back to the period between the seventh and eighth centuries, was made during extensive archeological excavations.
  • The excavations took place two years ago.
    The excavations took place two years ago.
  • Israel's Antiquities Authority workers pray amid the remains of the mosque.
    Israel's Antiquities Authority workers pray amid the remains of the mosque.
  • The excavation was part of a plan to expand southern Rahat with state funding, through the Bedouin Development and Settlement Authority in the Negev.
    The excavation was part of a plan to expand southern Rahat with state funding, through the Bedouin Development and Settlement Authority in the Negev.
  • The site dates back to the period between the seventh and eighth centuries.
    The site dates back to the period between the seventh and eighth centuries.
  • Workers carefully pick through the remains.
    Workers carefully pick through the remains.
  • The layout of the ancient mosque is easily identified from above.
    The layout of the ancient mosque is easily identified from above.