Exploring The Rich History Of Othman Bin Affan Mosque Through Recent Excavations

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 most recent modern form was established 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 over the centuries, the mosque's size, orientation, and mihrab niche have remained remarkably consistent.

One of the key changes identified in the mosque's structure pertains to its flooring and elevation. Initially featuring clay tile and plaster, the flooring eventually transitioned to flagstone, which was in use for about 400 years. The floor level saw periodic elevation during renovations, with flagstone flooring being reused until the early 20th century AD.

Furthermore, the excavations unveiled an underground cistern system beneath the mosque, a significant discovery considering Jeddah's historical challenges with water scarcity. These cisterns, filled with crystal-clear water and sealed for almost 800 years, highlight the ingenuity of past builders in addressing water supply issues.

The archaeological efforts have unearthed thousands of artefacts that illustrate the mosque's long history. Among these finds are fragments of 11th century AH (17th century AD) Chinese blue and white porcelain and pieces of Chinese so-called Celadon ware from the 4th-6th century AH (11th-13th century AD), known for its soft green-grey coloured glaze. Additionally, some of the earliest artefacts discovered include fragments of white, green, and yellow glazed pottery dating back to the 3rd-4th century AH (9th-10th century AD).

This extensive excavation project 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 this first phase of the Archaeology Project offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, revealing how architectural styles and community needs have evolved over centuries.

With inputs from SPA