Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project to Renovate Al-Izam Mosque, Preserve its 14-Century-Old History

Riyadh, April 20, 2023, SPA - The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques now includes the Al-Izam Mosque, also known as the Mosque of the Bones, located in AlUla Governorate in Madina, to preserve its history and ensure its maintenance. With a heritage dating back over 14 centuries, the mosque's history can be traced back to the time of the Prophet (PBUH) who is believed to have marked its Qibla (the direction to which Muslims pray) with bones on his way to the Battle of Tabuk in the ninth year of migration.
Under the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project, the Al-Izam Mosque will be renovated following Medina-style heritage, covering an area of 773.3 square meters and with a capacity to accommodate up to 580 worshipers. The project will utilize natural materials such as clay, stones, and local wood, in line with the mosque's original construction, which included cut stones of various formations and sizes mixed with clay mortar. The mosque's architecture has undergone several stages of development over the years.
The building of the mosque is known for its ability to adapt to climatic and natural changes. The use of palm components in the construction of roofs as a supporting and insulating layer is a notable feature, which the project will explore and integrate into the mosque's facades. The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project aims to strike a balance between traditional and modern building standards, ensuring that mosques are sustainable and maintain their historical and heritage features in the face of development.
The Al-Izam Mosque is one of 30 mosques included in the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques, covering all regions of the Kingdom.
--SPA