Laynah Mosque in Northern Borders Region Shines as Architectural Icon Deeply Rooted in History

In the heart of the historical village of Laynah, located in the Rafha Governorate of the Northern Borders region, lies the historic Laynah Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the Region.
It stands out with its traditional construction style using mud bricks, stones, palm fronds, and Athel wood and is still an active mosque where prayers are held.
Mohammed Al-Dulaim, a history enthusiast of Laynah, told the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) that the mosque was established around 1370 AH.
The mosque dates back to the time when Sheikh Abdullah bin Dulaim requested Prince Abdulaziz bin Musaid bin Jiluwi, then governor of Hail region, to choose a location for the mosque outside the palace, said Al-Dulaim.
Laynah was part of the Hail region at the time.
Construction began using mud and stone on a 600-square-meter area, he says. It includes a well called "Al-Baitha", which provides water for the worshippers to drink and perform wudu (ablution).
The mosque was built in the traditional Najdi style, with beautiful columns, Quran shelves inside the walls, and magnificent lanterns.
The mosque accommodates up to more than 200 worshippers, Al-Dulaim added.
The historical significance of this heritage mosque stems from its location near the old market to the north, which was established in 1352 AH.
This landmark market is one of the oldest in the Northern Borders region and was the largest commercial centre in the Kingdom in the mid-20th century.
The market is one of the most important heritage sites, spanning 5,000 square meters and housing about 80 commercial shops.
It represents a prestigious place rich in tales of deserts, caravans, travellers, and diverse cultures.