It was built by Italians around 1922 and finished with assistance of Muslim funds after 16,000 birr remained unpaid for contractor.

Grand Anwar Mosque is located in Merkato, in Arada district of Addis Ababa.

[4] After the Italians left unfinished, Muslims collected money to resume the construction.

When the construction completed, 16,000 ETB were not paid to the contractor, which led to closure for couple of days by court order.

A portable podium placed to the middle of green pillars supporting the white outer walls and domes that form spectacular façade of the mosque.