Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Project Revitalises Al-Fuwaihi Mosque With Traditional Shading Techniques

The Al-Fuwaihi Mosque in Sakaka, located in the Al-Jouf Region, is undergoing restoration to its original design from 1380 AH. This effort is part of the second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques. The project aims to preserve architectural heritage and promote Saudi Arabia's Islamic legacy by restoring historic mosques.

Al-Fuwaihi Mosque, also known locally as Shaman Mosque after its builder Shaman Khalaf Al-Fuwaihi, stands as one of Sakaka's oldest heritage sites. It suffered damage in a traffic accident in 1430 AH but was subsequently restored and has been used for daily prayers since then. The current restoration will expand the mosque from 72.33 square meters to 93.98 square meters while maintaining its capacity for 28 worshippers.

The restoration will adhere to the region's traditional architectural style, using mud construction techniques and natural materials. Al-Jouf's architecture is known for adapting to desert climates and reflecting local culture, with mosques serving as central urban elements. The project will replace modern elements with heritage-appropriate ones while preserving the distinctive courtyard shading made from tamarix wood and palm fronds.

This shading method allows natural light and ventilation while maintaining visual continuity from the courtyard. All elements of the mosque will be restored using natural materials sourced from the surrounding environment, ensuring authenticity and sustainability in the restoration process.

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project's second phase includes restoring 30 mosques across all 13 regions of Saudi Arabia. This phase involves six mosques in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Aseer, two each in the Eastern Region, Al-Jouf, and Jazan, and one each in Northern Borders, Tabuk, Al-Baha, Najran, Hail, and Al-Qassim.

The project's first phase successfully restored 30 historic mosques across ten regions. The initiative aligns with Vision 2030 by preserving architectural heritage and integrating it into contemporary mosque designs. It aims to restore historic mosques for worship while preserving their architectural authenticity.

Strategic Objectives

The project has four strategic objectives: restoring historic mosques for worship purposes, preserving their architectural authenticity, highlighting Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage, and enhancing their religious and cultural significance. These objectives reflect a commitment to maintaining historical integrity while promoting cultural awareness.

By focusing on these goals, the project not only preserves important historical sites but also contributes to a broader understanding of Saudi Arabia's rich cultural legacy within modern contexts.

With inputs from SPA