Al-Fuwaihi Mosque in the city of Sakaka in Al-Jouf region is one of the most prominent historical mosques that are witnessing restoration and development operations within the second phase of Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s project to develop historical mosques.
This ambitious national project aims to preserve the Islamic architectural heritage and enhance the cultural identity of the Kingdom, in line with Vision 2030.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project to Develop Historical Mosques
The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project to Develop Historical Mosques was launched in 2018, and aims to restore and rehabilitate old mosques throughout the Kingdom.
The project is divided into several phases, as the first phase, which included 30 mosques, has been completed, while the second phase includes 30 other mosques distributed across 13 regions.
The project aims to achieve four main objectives:
Rehabilitating historical mosques for worship and prayer.
Restoring the architectural authenticity of these mosques.
Highlighting the civilizational dimension of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Enhancing the religious and cultural status of historical mosques.
Al-Fuwaihi Mosque: Its History and Importance
The mosque dates back to 1380 AH (1960 and 1961 AD), and is also known as Shaman Mosque after its founder Shaman Khalaf Al-Fuwaihi.
The mosque is one of the oldest heritage buildings in the city of Sakaka, and has witnessed continuous use for performing prayers since its establishment.
The mosque was damaged due to a traffic accident in 1430 AH, but it was partially maintained while preserving its heritage character.
Restoration and development operations
Al-Fuwaihi Mosque will undergo comprehensive restoration operations aimed at restoring it to its original form while enhancing its sustainability.
These operations include:
Increasing the area of the mosque from 72.33 m² to 93.98 m².
Maintaining its capacity of 28 worshipers.
Using traditional construction techniques using clay and natural materials.
Developing the roof of the courtyard using tamarisk wood and palm fronds, allowing natural light and ventilation.
The importance of the project for cultural identity
Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s project to develop historic mosques is an important step towards preserving the Islamic architectural heritage in the Kingdom.
By restoring historic mosques such as Al-Fuwaihi Mosque, the cultural identity of the regions is enhanced and the civilizational dimension of the Kingdom is highlighted, which contributes to attracting tourists and strengthening national belonging.
Al-Fuwaihi Mosque in Sakaka is being restored under Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s project for historical mosques, aiming to preserve architectural heritage and enhance cultural identity. Built in 1380 AH, the mosque features local building materials. Restoration includes expanding the mosque while maintaining its heritage character. The project reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting Vision 2030.
