Reviving Islamic Heritage
As part of Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Project for the Development of Historic Mosques, Al-Qibli Mosque, located in the Manfuha neighborhood, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Riyadh, was rebuilt in the Najdi style, which dates back more than 300 years.
The project aims to preserve the Islamic and urban heritage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, while preserving the original architectural style of historical mosques.
Al-Qibli Mosque: A Witness to the History of Riyadh
Al-Qibli Mosque is considered one of the most prominent historical landmarks in the Manfuha neighborhood, which is in turn one of the oldest neighborhoods in the capital, Riyadh.
The mosque was built in the year 1100 AH, then the founding King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud – may God have mercy on him – ordered its reconstruction in the year 1364 AH.
The mosque is located near the Emirate Palace, reflecting its historical and geographical importance.
Reconstruction Al-Qibli Mosque using natural materials
Al-Qibli Mosque was reconstructed using natural materials that were used in ancient construction, such as clay, stone and wood, in order to preserve the original Najdi style.
The mosque is distinguished by its ability to deal with the local environment and the hot desert climate, making it a unique model of traditional architecture in the Najd region.
Technical details of the restoration
Before the restoration, the area of Al-Qibli Mosque was estimated at 642.85 square meters, while its area after development will reach 804.32 square meters.
The mosque’s capacity reaches 440 worshipers after the completion of maintenance work. The biggest challenge in the restoration of Najdi mosques is the scarcity of the wooden element, but the project provided the required type of wood and carried out special treatment processes to ensure its durability and resistance to insects.
Project objectives
Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s project for the development of historical mosques aims to restore and develop 130 historical mosques in various regions of the Kingdom.
In the second phase of the project, 30 mosques were developed across all 13 regions of the Kingdom, including 6 mosques in Riyadh, 5 in Makkah, 4 in Madinah, 3 in Asir, 2 mosques in the Eastern Province, 2 in Al-Jouf and Jazan, and one mosque in each of the Northern Borders, Tabuk, Al-Baha, Najran, Hail, and Al-Qassim.
Manfuha District: The Heart of the Beating History
Manfuha District, which includes Al-Qibli Mosque, is considered one of the most prominent historical neighborhoods in Riyadh. The neighborhood dates back to before the establishment of the Third Saudi State, and was an important commercial and religious center. The reconstruction of the mosque reflects the great efforts made by the Kingdom to preserve its architectural heritage.
The second phase of the project
The second phase of the historical mosques development project was launched after the completion of the first phase, which included 30 mosques in 10 regions.
The project is based on four strategic objectives: rehabilitating historical mosques for worship, restoring architectural authenticity, highlighting the Kingdom’s civilizational dimension, and enhancing the religious and cultural status of historical mosques.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Project for the Development of Historic Mosques has revived the Al-Qibli Mosque in the Manfuha district of Riyadh, which dates back more than 300 years. The mosque was restored using natural materials such as clay and stone, while preserving the original Najdi style. It can accommodate 440 worshipers. The project aims to preserve Islamic heritage and enhance cultural identity, as it includes the development of 130 historical mosques in the Kingdom.
