Revitalisation Of Historic Al-Qibli Mosque Under Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Project Enhances Cultural Heritage

In Riyadh's historic Manfuha neighbourhood, the Al-Qibli Mosque is undergoing restoration as part of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques (Phase Two). Originally constructed in 1100 AH and later rebuilt by King Abdulaziz in 1364 AH, this mosque holds historical significance due to its proximity to the old principality palace. It served as a prayer hall for princes and senior officials.

The mosque's restoration is part of a broader initiative aimed at preserving Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage. This project seeks to maintain the mosque's Najdi architectural style, known for its clay construction and use of natural materials. The restoration will expand the mosque's area from 642.85 square meters to 804.32 square meters, allowing it to accommodate 440 worshippers.

A significant challenge in this restoration involves sourcing and preparing wood using traditional methods. Techniques such as straightening, upturning, and pest treatment are employed to ensure authenticity. Craftsmen are diligently measuring and preparing components onsite, using traditional decorative techniques to revive the mosque's original architectural character.

This initiative is part of a larger effort involving the restoration of 30 mosques across Saudi Arabia in Phase Two of the project. Saudi companies and engineers with expertise in heritage buildings lead these efforts. The project aims to balance historical preservation with modern construction standards, ensuring sustainability while retaining authentic architectural identity.

The project's strategic goals include rehabilitating mosques for worship, restoring architectural authenticity, highlighting Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage, and enhancing the religious and cultural status of these historical sites. This aligns with Vision 2030 by preserving architectural heritage and influencing modern mosque design.

Phase Two follows the successful completion of Phase One in 2018, which restored 30 mosques across ten regions. The ongoing efforts aim to raise awareness about preserving these historical landmarks while ensuring they meet contemporary needs.

The restoration of Al-Qibli Mosque not only preserves its historical significance but also contributes to raising awareness about the importance of maintaining such landmarks. By doing so, it highlights Saudi Arabia's rich cultural heritage while aligning with broader national objectives under Vision 2030.

With inputs from SPA