Othman Bin Affan Mosque In Jeddah: A Glimpse Into 1200 Years Of History

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 details provided, the mosque has seen numerous renovations and reconstructions throughout its existence. Notably, its latest renovation took place in the 14th century AH (late 20th century AD), adhering to the traditional architectural style of regional mosques of that era. This style typically features an open courtyard leading into a roofed prayer hall. Despite various changes over the centuries, the mosque's size, orientation, and mihrab niche have remained largely consistent.

One of the significant alterations highlighted includes changes in flooring styles—from clay tile and plaster to flagstone, which was in use for about 400 years. The floor level was raised during renovations, with flagstone flooring being reused until the early 20th century AD. Additionally, an underground cistern system was discovered beneath the mosque, a common feature in historic Jeddah due to the city's limited water supply. These cisterns, filled with crystal-clear water, have been left untouched for almost 800 years.

The excavation unearthed thousands of archaeological finds that illustrate the mosque's rich history. Among these are fragments of 11th century AH (17th century AD) Chinese blue and white porcelain and 4th-6th century AH (11th-13th century AD) Celadon ware with a unique soft green-grey coloured glaze. Furthermore, some of the earliest artefacts found include fragments of white, green, and yellow glazed pottery dating back to the 3rd-4th century AH (9th-10th century AD).

This archaeological venture into the Othman bin Affan Mosque's past not only enriches our understanding of its historical significance but also contributes to our knowledge of the region's architectural and cultural heritage. The findings from these excavations offer a tangible connection to the past, allowing us to appreciate the enduring legacy of historic Jeddah.

With inputs from SPA