Riyadh: Al-Qibli Mosque, a key component of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques (Phase Two), is undergoing restoration in Riyadh's historic Manfuha neighborhood.
According to Saudi Press Agency, originally built in 1100 AH and later reconstructed by King Abdulaziz in 1364 AH, the mosque's proximity to the old principality palace made it a significant prayer hall for princes and senior state officials.
The mosque's Najdi architectural style, characterized by clay construction and natural materials, is being preserved and enhanced. Its area will expand from 642.85 square meters to 804.32 square meters, accommodating 440 worshippers. A major challenge is sourcing and preparing the necessary wood, which requires traditional techniques like straightening, upturning, and pest treatment.
Craftsmen are meticulously measuring and preparing components onsite, employing traditional decorative techniques to revive the mosque's original architectural character. The project aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving these historical landmarks.
Al-Qibli Mosque is one of 30 mosques being restored across the Kingdom in Phase Two of the project, led by Saudi companies and engineers specializing in heritage buildings. This initiative balances historical preservation with modern construction standards, ensuring sustainability while retaining the authentic architectural identity.
Phase Two follows the successful completion of Phase One in 2018, which restored 30 mosques in 10 regions. The project's strategic objectives include rehabilitating mosques for worship, restoring architectural authenticity, highlighting the Kingdom's cultural heritage, and enhancing the religious and cultural status of these historical sites. The project aligns with Vision 2030 by preserving architectural heritage and shaping the design of modern mosques.