Restoration of Al-Safa Mosque in Al-Baha Underway as Part of Mohammed bin Salman Project

AL-BAHA, March 24 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Al-Safa Mosque, a 13th-century historical landmark in Al-Baha Region, is undergoing extensive restoration as part of the second phase of the Mohammed bin Salman Project for Developing Historic Mosques. The project aims to preserve the mosque's unique Sarawat architectural style while enhancing its structural and aesthetic elements.

Located in Baljurashi Governorate, Al-Safa Mosque is being carefully renovated using natural materials such as Sarawat Mountain stones and locally sourced wood for ceilings, columns, windows, and doors to maintain its architectural authenticity. The mosque, with a footprint of 78 square meters and a capacity for 31 worshippers, will retain its original dimensions and layout following the restoration.

Built approximately 1,350 years ago, Al-Safa Mosque is part of a traditional mountain village setting, surrounded by adjacent buildings and narrow passages. Its stone construction, limited openings, and juniper columns are signature elements of the structure. The restoration includes preserving and redeveloping these columns with intricate traditional carvings, emphasizing the mosque’s cultural and historical value.

Historical records suggest that the mosque was established by the Companion Sufyan ibn Auf al-Ghamdi. Over centuries, Al-Safa Mosque has served as a vital community center, hosting gatherings to resolve local disputes and address village matters, particularly between the Maghrib and Isha prayers.

The mosque is among 30 historic mosques across all 13 regions of the Kingdom being restored in the second phase of the Mohammed bin Salman Project. This phase follows the successful completion of the first phase, which rehabilitated 30 mosques in 10 regions.

The restoration work is being carried out by Saudi companies specializing in heritage preservation, in alignment with the project’s objectives to restore historic mosques for worship, maintain architectural integrity, highlight the Kingdom's rich cultural heritage, and enhance the religious and cultural importance of these sites.

The Mohammed bin Salman Project for Developing Historic Mosques also supports Saudi Vision 2030 by integrating heritage preservation with modern construction standards, ensuring the sustainability and continued relevance of these historic sites.