Latest news with #HistoricMosques
Arab News
22-03-2025
- General
- Arab News
Historic Al-Qalaah Mosque in Riyadh restored in traditional Najdi style
RIYADH: The historic Al-Qalaah Mosque in Hotat Bani Tamim, Riyadh, is among the places of worship restored as part of a national project, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques aims to safeguard Islamic heritage and highlight traditional architectural styles. Established in 1835 and named after the castle of Imam Turki bin Abdullah that once stood on its premises, Al-Qalaah Mosque holds significant historical value, which the project seeks to preserve. Upon completion, the mosque will cover 625 sq. meters, accommodating up to 180 worshipers, the SPA reported. Built in the Najdi style, the mosque primarily uses clay, with a construction method involving a clay and hay mixture placed in wooden molds to form brick-like structures. This technique is known for its economic efficiency compared to other materials, offering advantages such as thermal resistance and maintaining a moderate indoor temperature. It is one of 30 mosques across 13 regions included in phase two, featuring six in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Asir, and two each in the Eastern Province, Jouf and Jazan. One mosque is included in each of the Northern Borders, Tabuk, Baha, Najran, Hail and Qassim. Phase two follows the completion of phase one in 2018, which restored 30 mosques in 10 regions, according to the SPA. The project balances traditional and modern construction standards, ensuring the sustainability of mosque components while preserving heritage. Saudi companies and engineers specializing in heritage restoration are leading the development efforts, according to the report. The project's four strategic objectives include restoring historic mosques for worship, preserving architectural authenticity, highlighting the Kingdom's cultural heritage, and enhancing the religious and cultural significance of religious sites.
Arab News
12-03-2025
- General
- Arab News
Saudi project restores authenticity to Najran's historical mosque
RIYADH: Al-Zubair bin Al-Awwam Mosque, located near the historic Emirate Palace in Najran, is undergoing restoration as part of the second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques. The project aims to correct previous renovations that introduced non-authentic materials, restoring the mosque to its original heritage style, reflective of the Najran region, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Built in 1966, the mosque spans 1,436 sq. meters and accommodates 1,000 worshippers, the SPA added. Its construction follows traditional methods, featuring horizontal courses and roofing made from wood extracted from palm trunks, fronds, and tamarisk trees. The restoration will use the same natural materials as the original construction, preserving the distinctive architectural character of Al-Zubair bin Al-Awwam Mosque — the first mosque in Najran's old popular market area. It is one of 30 mosques across 13 regions included in the project's second phase, which covers six mosques in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Asir, two each in the Eastern Province, Jouf, and Jazan, and one each in the Northern Borders, Tabuk, Baha, Najran, Hail, and Qassim. Phase two follows the successful completion of phase one in 2018, which restored 30 mosques in 10 regions, the SPA reported. The project balances traditional and modern construction standards, ensuring the sustainability of mosque components while preserving their heritage and historical features. Saudi companies and engineers specializing in heritage restoration are leading the development efforts, according to the report. The project's four strategic objectives include restoring historic mosques for worship, preserving their architectural authenticity, highlighting the Kingdom's cultural heritage, and enhancing their religious and cultural significance. It also aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 by preserving architectural heritage and integrating it into modern mosque designs.
