Prophet's Mosque In Madinah Showcases Moving Domes: An Engineering Marvel

A marvel of modern engineering blends seamlessly with traditional Islamic architecture at the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, whose expansion, carried out at King Fahd’s directives, features 27 magnificent domes that are not only stunningly designed but also make use of technology to astound even more. These massive structures, each weighing a staggering 80 tons, rest on square bases measuring 18 meters on a side. An intricate network of iron rails with a total length of over 1,573 meters enables the domes to slide open and close automatically at specific times. The beauty of the domes extends beyond their impressive functionality. The inner surface boasts an intricate cedar wood lining, meticulously layered and adorned with exquisite geometric shapes and vibrant turquoise accents. The exterior showcases a dazzling display of craftsmanship with a painstakingly applied mosaic of small, hexagonal ceramic tiles measuring 60 millimeters in diameter. The overall effect is one of geometric elegance, accentuated by the use of contrasting turquoise and light beige tones. This innovative feat of engineering serves an important purpose. By opening and closing automatically, the domes help regulate the temperature in the mosque, ensuring a comfortable and refreshing environment for worshippers year-round. -- SPA 13:19 Local Time 10:19 GMT 0020

With inputs from SPA