Mohammed bin Salman Project for Developing Historic Mosques Revives Najdi Mosque in Farasan

Under the second phase of the Mohammed bin Salman Project for Developing Historic Mosques, renovation work started at the Al-Najdi Mosque, one of the oldest historical mosques, built in 1347 AH.

 It is located in the center of Farasan Islands in the Jazan region. The renovation aims at restoring the beauty of the mosque's architecture through the use of plant decorations, artistic formations, and glass spaces, which form key components of its traditional architectural style, which was influenced by the architecture and arts of the Orient due to contact with trade caravans that helped spread different building techniques and architectural styles.

 The Al-Najdi Mosque is named after founder Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Tamimi, known by the nickname "Al-Najdi.” He was from Hotat Bani Tamim and had previously moved to Farasan Island, where he worked in the pearl trade. His construction of the mosque was influenced by Eastern civilization, as he frequently traveled to India. The mosque's construction took 13 years at that time, and its paintings, carvings, and designs were brought from India.

 The Najdi Mosque will cover an area of 609.15 square meters after its development, with its capacity increasing slightly to 248 worshippers. It is renowned for its minbar (pulpit) and mihrab (niche), which feature carved and naturally colored plant decorations. It is also distinguished by arches that support a ceiling with 12 domes, decorated and colored with a unique architectural style. Stone is a primary building material, as it is a local natural resource. The mosque incorporates most of the architectural elements found in Islamic architecture.

 The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques includes 30 mosques across all 13 regions of the Kingdom, including six mosques in the Riyadh region, five in the Makkah region, four in the Madinah region, and three in the Aseer region. There are two mosques each in the Eastern Province, Al-Jouf, and Jazan regions, and one mosque each in the Northern Borders, Tabuk, Al-Baha, Najran, Hail, and Qassim regions.