Exploring The Depths Of History: The Othman Bin Affan Mosque In Jeddah

The Jeddah Historic District Program recently shared insights from the archaeological excavations at Othman bin Affan Mosque, marking a significant phase in the Archaeology Project in Historic Jeddah. These findings shed light on the mosque's extensive history, revealing artefact fragments that trace back nearly 1,200 years.

According to the program's press release, the mosque has seen numerous renovations and reconstructions throughout its existence. The most recent renovation was done in the late 20th century (14th century AH), adopting a modern architectural style. However, all previous architectural phases maintained the traditional design prevalent in the region, featuring an open courtyard leading to a roofed prayer hall. Despite various changes, the mosque's size, orientation, and mihrab niche have remained consistent over a millennium.

The release highlighted significant alterations in the mosque's elevation and flooring style over the years. Initially, clay tile and plaster were used for flooring, which eventually gave way to flagstone. This flagstone flooring was in use for about 400 years and was periodically elevated during renovations, with the same materials being reused until the early 20th century AD.

One of the most noteworthy discoveries was an underground cistern system found beneath the mosque. These cisterns, filled with crystal-clear water and sealed by their builders, have remained untouched for almost 800 years. The construction of such cisterns was a common practice in historic Jeddah due to the city's limited water supply.

The excavation unearthed thousands of archaeological finds that illustrate the mosque's 1,200-year history. Among these finds were fragments of 11th century AH (17th century AD) Chinese blue and white porcelain and 4th-6th century AH (11th-13th century AD) Chinese Celadon ware, known for its soft green-grey coloured glaze. Additionally, one of the earliest artefacts discovered at the site includes fragments of white, green, and yellow glazed pottery dating back to the 3rd-4th century AH (9th-10th century AD).

This extensive archaeological effort not only highlights the rich history of the Othman bin Affan Mosque but also contributes to our understanding of Historic Jeddah's cultural heritage. The findings from these excavations offer a glimpse into the architectural and societal changes that have occurred over centuries in this historic city.

With inputs from SPA