Mohammed bin Salman Project for Developing Historic Mosques Renovates Al-Qalaah Mosque
The second phase of the Mohammed bin Salman Project for Developing Historic Mosques is renovating Al-Qalaah Mosque in Hotat Bani Tamim in Riyadh, established in 1250 AH, by harmoniously blending traditional and state-of-the-art building standards to preserve its historic elements while ensuring sustainability and incorporating developmental influences.
Al-Qalaah Mosque (https://goo.gl/maps/Uwuuy5CUf2d1JH8j6), named after the castle of Imam Turki bin Abdullah that once stood within its premises, holds significant historical value that the project aims to preserve. Upon completion, the mosque will cover an area of 625.78 square meters, accommodating up to 180 worshippers.
The mosque, built in the Najdi style, uses clay as its primary material, with a construction method involving clay and hay mixture placed in wooden molds to form brick-like structures. This technique is known for its economic efficiency compared to other construction materials, offering advantages such as resistance to thermal transfer and the ability to maintain a moderate temperature within the building's interior spaces.
Al-Qalaah Mosque is one of 30 mosques across all 13 regions of the Kingdom in the project's second phase, including six mosques in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Aseer, two each in Eastern Region, Al-Jouf, and Jazan, and one each in Northern Borders, Tabuk, Al-Baha, Najran, Hail, and Qassim. The second phase follows the successful completion of the first, which restored 30 historic mosques across 10 regions.
The Mohammed bin Salman Project balances traditional and modern construction standards, ensuring the sustainability of mosque components while preserving heritage and historical characteristics. Saudi companies specializing in heritage restoration are carrying out the development.
The project's four strategic objectives include restoring historic mosques for worship, preserving their architectural authenticity, highlighting the Kingdom's cultural heritage, and enhancing their religious and cultural significance. It also aligns with Vision 2030 by preserving architectural heritage and integrating it into modern mosque designs.
