Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Al-Fuwaihi Mosque with Traditional Shading
Al-Fuwaihi Mosque in Sakaka, Al-Jouf Region, is being restored to its original 1380 AH design as part of the second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques. The restoration will maintain the mosque's traditional courtyard shading using tamarix wood and palm fronds, reflecting the project's commitment to preserving architectural heritage and promoting the Kingdom's Islamic legacy.
Al-Fuwaihi Mosque, locally known as Shaman Mosque after its builder Shaman Khalaf Al-Fuwaihi, is one of Sakaka's oldest heritage buildings. Damaged in a 1430 AH traffic accident, it was restored and has since remained in continuous use for daily prayers.
The current restoration will expand Al-Fuwaihi Mosque (https://maps.app.goo.gl/fWifj85eJiiJjALK8) from 72.33 square meters to 93.98 square meters, while maintaining its capacity of 28 worshippers. It will be restored in the region's heritage style, using mud construction techniques and natural materials. Al-Jouf's architectural style is recognized for its adaptation to the desert climate and its reflection of local culture, with mosques serving as central urban components.
The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project will replace the mosque's modern elements with heritage-appropriate ones, while preserving the distinctive courtyard with its traditional tamarix wood and palm frond shading. This shading style allows for natural light, ventilation, and visual continuity from the courtyard. All mosque elements will be restored using natural materials sourced from the surrounding environment.
Al-Fuwaihi Mosque is one of 30 mosques across all 13 regions of the Kingdom in the project's second phase, including six mosques in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Aseer, two each in the Eastern Region, Al-Jouf, and Jazan, and one each in the Northern Borders, Tabuk, Al-Baha, Najran, Hail, and Al-Qassim.
The second phase follows the successful completion of the first, which restored 30 historic mosques across 10 regions.
The project's four strategic objectives include restoring historic mosques for worship, preserving their architectural authenticity, highlighting the Kingdom's cultural heritage, and enhancing their religious and cultural significance. It also aligns with Vision 2030 by preserving architectural heritage and integrating it into modern mosque designs.
