Give thanks!

Give thanks to @Admin for sharing this photo for free, the easiest way, sharing on social networks.

1980 Saudi Arabia, an old mosque in Al-Balad - Jeddah

Saudi Arabia, Al-Balad, Jeddah | 1980

An old mosque in the Al-Balad district of Jeddah, possibly the Al-Shafi'i Mosque.

The Al-Shafi'i Mosque is located in the Al-Mazloum neighborhood of historic Jeddah. Its minaret is said to have been built in the 7th century AH (13th century CE). The mosque is unique in its architectural design, being square with an open central courtyard for ventilation. It has undergone restoration work and continues to be used for prayers to this day.

The minaret of the Al-Shafi'i Mosque was built in the 13th century CE (7th century AH). The mosque itself was constructed using traditional building materials such as sea clay, quarried stone, and wood—essential materials for the inhabitants of Jeddah due to the climate. The mosque is considered one of the most important Islamic sites in the city, reflecting the reality of Islam 1400 years ago.

The construction of Al-Shafi'i Mosque dates back to the time of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (may God be pleased with him). The last repair and restoration of the building took place 500 years ago, and since then, the mosque has not undergone any restoration. Its construction utilized the same raw materials used in past centuries, namely sea clay, quarried stone, and wood. During excavation and research within the mosque, a mihrab (prayer niche) was discovered beneath the current mihrab, dating back over 1000 years. Precious stones and coral were also found beneath the restoration work carried out 500 years ago.

In 2012, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz sponsored the restoration of the first two historical mosques in Historic Jeddah: Al-Shafi'i Mosque and Al-Ma'mar Mosque. Restoration work on the historic Al-Shafi'i Mosque began under the supervision of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, in coordination with the Jeddah Governorate Municipality, the Center for the Revival of Islamic Architectural Heritage in Cairo, and the mosque's restoration supervisor, Dr. Saleh Lam'i Mustafa.