Historic Mosques in Riyadh Restored with Modern Machinery

Balancing tradition with innovation, six historic mosques in Riyadh undergo restoration using advanced heavy equipment

Balancing tradition with innovation, six historic mosques in Riyadh undergo restoration using advanced heavy equipment.

 

The second phase of Saudi Arabia's Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for Developing Historic Mosques is placing significant emphasis on the Riyadh Region, where six historic mosques will be meticulously rehabilitated and restored. This ambitious initiative is not merely a construction project but a cultural endeavor aimed at preserving the architectural identity of these historic mosques while promoting greater awareness of the importance of protecting Saudi Arabia's rich religious and historical heritage. A key element of the project is to maintain the original architectural styles of these ancient mosques while introducing modern improvements that ensure sustainability and resilience for future generations.

One of the central goals of the initiative is to carefully balance traditional construction techniques with modern building standards. This is done to ensure that the mosques maintain their historical integrity while being equipped to endure the challenges of the future. Hydraulic cranes, heavy-duty excavators, and specialized concrete pump trucks will be instrumental in the careful dismantling and reconstruction of these structures. By blending heritage with modern development, the project guarantees that these mosques not only reflect their past but are also sustainable for years to come, as confirmed by the Saudi Press Agency. These machines, operated by skilled professionals, will help restore and expand the mosques without compromising their historical value, ensuring that every addition blends seamlessly with the original architecture.

The project includes the renovation of the Al-Qibli Mosque, which is located in the southern Manfouha neighborhood in Riyadh. This mosque, built in 1100 Hijri, holds a prominent place in the history of the region. Known as the closest mosque to the old governorate's palace, it served as a spiritual haven for princes and local dignitaries. Over time, the mosque was expanded by King Abdulaziz in 1364 Hijri to accommodate more worshippers. The upcoming renovation will further increase its size, from 642.85 sq m to 840.32 sq m, enabling it to host up to 440 worshippers after the project is completed. This expansion will require heavy machinery like bulldozers for clearing the surrounding area, mobile cranes for placing structural components, and concrete mixers to facilitate the construction of additional prayer areas and facilities.

Another significant mosque included in the project is Al-Rumaileh Mosque, also known as Al Salamah Mosque, located in the Al-Thahirah neighborhood. This mosque is one of the oldest in Riyadh, and its design exemplifies the architectural characteristics of historic mosques in the region. The renovation of this mosque will expand its area from 1,184.69 sq m to 1,555.92 sq m, with its capacity for worshippers growing from 327 to 657. The work will involve not only the use of heavy lifting equipment like cranes and forklifts but also precise tools for stone restoration, given that the original materials used in the mosque’s construction must be preserved and restored to maintain its authentic look and feel. This careful mix of technology and craftsmanship highlights the project's commitment to preserving the mosque’s historical significance.

In addition to these, the project is set to restore Al-Oudah Mosque, located in the heart of Al-Oudeh District in the north of Ad-Diriyah city. As the oldest mosque in the governorate, it represents an integral part of the region's history. Originally built from clay, the mosque's pre-renovation area stood at 794 sq m. After the completion of the renovation, the area will expand to 1,369.82 sq m, with the capacity for worshippers increasing from 510 to 992. Due to the delicate nature of working with traditional clay materials, specialized earthmoving machinery and modern scaffolding will be employed to ensure that the expansion and restoration do not damage the mosque’s historical clay structures. Careful handling and attention to detail will be paramount in preserving this mosque’s unique character.

Further out from the center of Riyadh, the project will target the historic Al-Qalaah Mosque, located in Al-Hilwah Center, Houtat Bani Tamim. This mosque, built in 1250 Hijri, was named after the castle of Prince Turki Al Saud. Prayers continue to be offered at this mosque to this day, except for Friday prayers, which ceased some 50 years ago. The post-renovation area will be 625.78 sq m, with the mosque continuing to serve 180 worshippers. Given the mosque’s remote location, mobile cranes, off-road loaders, and other specialized equipment will be essential to facilitate the renovation work. The logistics of transporting equipment to the site are another key challenge, and advanced machinery will be used to ensure the structural integrity of the mosque remains intact during the renovation process.

Additionally, the Al-Hazimi Mosque, situated east of Laila City in Al-Aflah Governorate, will undergo restoration. Built over a century ago, this mosque's renovation will focus on retaining its modest yet historic character. The mosque will continue to accommodate 110 worshippers after the restoration. Heavy construction equipment, along with smaller, precise tools for fine work, will be employed to handle the delicate nature of the restoration process. Similarly, the Al-Rawsa Mosque, located in the west of Al-Majmaah City and built in 1365 Hijri, will be reconstructed to preserve its historical significance while incorporating modern construction standards.

In total, 30 mosques across Saudi Arabia will be developed as part of this second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for Developing Historic Mosques. Each mosque will undergo a comprehensive assessment to understand its unique history, architectural characteristics, and cultural significance. Modern machinery, including earthmoving equipment, cranes, and concrete mixers, will be essential in ensuring the quality of materials and the precision of architectural designs. These renovations will combine modern sustainability techniques with traditional architecture, ensuring that the mosques remain functional, resilient, and historically accurate for generations to come.

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