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 milestone in the first phase of 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. Its most recent modern form was erected in the 14th century AH (late 20th century AD), maintaining the traditional architectural style characteristic of the region's mosques at that time. This style typically features an open courtyard leading into a roofed prayer hall. Despite various changes, the mosque's size, orientation, and mihrab niche have remained largely consistent for over a millennium.

The alterations to the mosque primarily involved modifications to its elevation and flooring style. Initially, clay tile and plaster were used for flooring, which eventually gave way to flagstone. This material 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.

A particularly noteworthy discovery was the construction of an underground cistern system beneath the mosque. Archaeologists uncovered cisterns filled with crystal-clear water that had been sealed and left untouched for almost 800 years. The presence of such cisterns is a testament to historic Jeddah's innovative solutions to water scarcity.

The excavation unearthed thousands of archaeological finds that illustrate the mosque's long 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. One of the earliest artefacts discovered were fragments of white, green, and yellow glazed pottery dating back to the 3rd-4th century AH (9th-10th century AD).

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

With inputs from SPA