Ruins of Songo Mnara: Songo Mnara Central Mosque

The rectangular (6.72 x 4.66-4.75 m) prayer hall had a flat brick roof supported by four circular wooden columns built into the floor on substantial stone foundations below the floor, and it had a qibla line of 004 degrees. On the south, east, and west sides of the mosque, there were three doorways. Three shaped sandstone steps on the flanks (which were likely arched) lead to open side verandas.

The mihrab had four jamb orders and was remarkably flat and concave. The higher portions that were built from the blocks included a capital with double herringbone decoration and a two-order arch with a double apex nick, all of which were encircled by a plain architrave.

The Central mosque is located in the central area of Songo Mnara Site, dating back to the 15th century. Due to its prominent location on the property, it might be the first and original mosque. If there was a wooden minbar nearby, the pattern of the floor wear to the right of the mihrab might indicate that it was the Friday mosque.