Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Revives 14-Century-Old Al-Hawza Mosque in Aseer

RIYADH, March 19 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Al-Hawza Mosque, a landmark of Islamic history in the Aseer region, is undergoing a meticulous restoration as part of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques. Established over 14 centuries ago in the eighth year of Hijra, the mosque is situated in Dhahran Al-Janoub Governorate and holds deep religious and cultural significance.

The restoration project, covering an area of 293 square meters, will increase the mosque's capacity from 100 to 148 worshippers. Emphasizing the preservation of its traditional Al-Sarat architectural style, the renovation incorporates mud brick and locally sourced wood to maintain the mosque’s authentic character. Historical features, including a well and a simple yet functional urban layout, reflect the cohesive design common to mountain villages in the region.

Al-Hawza Mosque, which underwent expansions in 1213 AH and during the reign of King Abdulaziz, stands out for its understated, traditional design that remains integral to the area's identity.

The mosque’s restoration is part of the second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project, encompassing 30 historic mosques across all 13 regions of the Kingdom. This phase includes 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 mosque in each of the Northern Borders, Tabuk, Al-Baha, Najran, Hail, and Qassim. The project builds on the success of its first phase, which restored 30 mosques across 10 regions.

The initiative aims to restore historic mosques for worship, preserve their architectural authenticity, highlight Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage, and enhance the religious and cultural significance of these sites. The project is aligned with Vision 2030’s objective of preserving architectural heritage while integrating it into modern mosque designs, reinforcing the Kingdom's commitment to celebrating and safeguarding its rich Islamic and cultural history.