Latest news with #ProjectfortheDevelopmentofHistoricMosques
Arab News
23-03-2025
- General
- Arab News
Saudi project restores historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in Asir
RIYADH: The historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in the Asir region has been 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 protect Islamic heritage and highlight traditional architectural styles. Built in 1760, Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque was renovated to preserve its original design and geometric shape while restoring its sustainable features. These include a rainwater collection system that stores water in the mosque's reservoir and is used for ablutions, the SPA reported. The mosque, designed in the Sarat style, covers 134 sq. meters and can accommodate up to 32 worshippers. A notable feature is the Al-Manzala room, traditionally used to host travelers. Its construction features stone walls, which reflect the upper mountain villages' urban fabric. Adorned with white plaster, the mosque stands out from neighboring buildings. The Sarat style's urban patterns are influenced by climate, topography and culture. It is one of 30 mosques in 13 regions in phase two, including six in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Asir, and two each in the Eastern Province, Jouf, and Jazan. The Northern Borders, Tabuk, Baha, Najran, Hail and Qassim each have one mosque in the scheme. Phase two follows phase one, completed in 2018, which restored 30 mosques in 10 regions. Saudi companies and heritage restoration experts are leading the development efforts, according to the SPA.
Arab News
03-03-2025
- General
- Arab News
Restoration of 130-year-old Buraidah mosque to uphold architectural heritage
RIYADH: The historic Al-Ruwaibah Mosque in Buraidah, Qassim region, is among the mosques undergoing restoration as part of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques. The second phase of the crown prince's project focuses on preserving the mosque's original materials and spatial features while allowing for necessary additions that do not compromise its historical character. As part of the restoration, the mosque's traditional roof — composed of clay, tamarisk wood and palm fronds — will be carefully preserved, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Located 7.5 km southeast of Buraidah municipality, Al-Ruwaibah Mosque is more than 130 years old and has undergone only one previous restoration, in 1945. The mosque has long served as a center for prayer, worship and Qur'anic study, in addition to being a place for teaching reading, writing and various sciences, making it a vital cultural and educational landmark in the region. Before restoration, the mosque covered almost 204 sq. m and could accommodate 60 worshippers. On completion, its area will expand to about 233 sq. m, increasing its capacity to 74 worshippers. The restoration will focus on rebuilding the mosque's traditional roof, which consists of lintels, perpendicular trunks, a layer of palm branches, and a final clay layer that serves as insulation and helps to drain rainwater. Prince Mohammed bin Salman's project aims to balance traditional and modern construction standards to ensure the sustainability of historic mosques. Saudi companies specializing in heritage restoration are leading the work, with Saudi engineers actively involved to maintain the mosque's authentic architectural identity while ensuring structural durability. Phase two of the crown prince's project follows the successful completion of phase one in 2018, which restored 30 mosques in 10 regions across the Kingdom. The project's strategic objectives include rehabilitating mosques for worship, restoring architectural authenticity, highlighting the Kingdom's cultural heritage, and enhancing the religious and cultural significance of these historical sites. The project aligns with Vision 2030 by preserving architectural heritage and influencing the design of modern mosques.
