Project to develop historical mosques: Reviving heritage on the anniversary of the Pledge of Allegiance

An ambitious vision for protecting architectural heritage on the anniversary of the Pledge of Allegiance

The anniversary of the pledge of allegiance to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, is renewed, highlighting the major transformations taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia across various fields. Foremost among these achievements is the project to develop historical mosques , which embodies the leadership's commitment to realizing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. This vision has been launched to reshape the cultural landscape, making the preservation of architectural and Islamic heritage a top priority, not merely as silent testaments, but as vibrant beacons connecting the rich past with the prosperous present.

Historical context: Mosques as the beating heart of Islamic civilization

Since the dawn of Islam, mosques have been more than just places of prayer; they have been centers of cultural, social, and intellectual life. With the passage of time and rapid urban development, many historical mosques in the Arabian Peninsula have suffered from decay or haphazard restoration. This underscores the historical significance of launching this ambitious project in 2018 to preserve these landmarks. The project aims to restore and rehabilitate approximately 130 historical mosques across the Kingdom. The first two phases have already seen the restoration of 60 mosques, under the direct guidance and supervision of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, making it the largest project of its kind globally in terms of both the number of mosques and its cost.

Integrating tradition and modernity: An expert's perspective

Experts affirm that the project to develop historical mosques represents a progressive model for sustainable development. In this context, engineering consultant and tour guide Talal bin Abdullah Samarqandi explains that the project is committed to preserving the unique architectural elements of each mosque and restoring them to their original state. This is achieved while meeting modern requirements by adding air conditioning systems, advanced lighting, and women's prayer areas, all without compromising their heritage character.

For his part, Dr. Rayan Sahairi, Professor of Geomatics at King Abdulaziz University, explains that mosques represent an integral part of the Kingdom's cultural identity. He points out that the restoration work relies on a precise scientific methodology that utilizes local materials and traditional building methods, reflecting the diversity of architectural schools in regions such as Najd, Hejaz, and Asir. Saudi universities also contribute to supporting this approach through scientific research and raising awareness among future generations about the importance of this heritage.

Evidence from the fragrance of prophecy and Islamic history

The project boasts mosques that carry a rich heritage spanning centuries. Tour guide Mohammed Qari Bukhari points out that some of these mosques date back to the early days of Islam and are linked to the life of the Prophet Muhammad and his companions. Among the most prominent examples are the historic Jawatha Mosque in Al-Ahsa, where the second Friday prayer in Islam was held, and the Omar Ibn Al-Khattab Mosque in Al-Jawf, with its unique minaret. Restoring these landmarks prevents haphazard interventions that could strip buildings of their identity and transforms them into cultural and tourist destinations that showcase the Kingdom's deep-rooted civilization.

Local, regional and international impact of the project

The project to develop historic mosques has dimensions that transcend geographical boundaries. Locally , it contributes to the revitalization of heritage villages, creates job opportunities for local artisans, and strengthens national identity among younger generations by connecting them to their ancestors' history. Regionally and internationally , the project reinforces the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's position as the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the cradle of Islam, attracting tourists, researchers, and those interested in Islamic architectural heritage from around the world. This monumental effort aligns with international standards for heritage preservation, solidifying the Kingdom's soft power and highlighting its leading role in safeguarding shared human and cultural heritage.