Riyadh - Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Heritage Authority announced the discovery of an archaeological mosque dating back to the first century AH, in the archaeological site of “Al-Ma’amla” in the Al-Bahah region, during the fourth season of the excavation project, in a step that reveals the cultural and religious depth of the region.

Details of the mosque and archaeological discoveries

The mosque was built with trimmed granite stones, and is more than 1,300 years old. The length of its wall from north to south is 16 meters, and from east to west it is 10 metres. It includes three entrances on the eastern, western and southern sides, and its square minaret is on the southeastern side, and eight rooms are connected to it that were used for social and commercial purposes.

The scientific team found an Islamic inscription on the Qibla wall that includes prayers for the Prophet Muhammad, which reads: “Peace of the righteous, the Chosen One, and the good ones upon Muhammad Ibn Abdullah, the Amen, God the True, Lord of the Worlds.” The team also documented a group of archaeological finds, including parts of steatite and pottery vessels, stone tools such as trowels, pestles, and parts of millstones, in addition to pieces of green and blue glass.

A mining site turned into an economic center
Evidence indicates that the site of the factory was linked to the extraction and processing of gold, silver and copper ores, which made it an important economic destination for metal merchants, craftsmen and workers during the Islamic era. The results of laboratory analysis showed that mining activity flourished from the late sixth century until the ninth century AD, that is, from pre-Islamic times to the Middle Islamic era.

A qualitative addition to cultural and heritage tourism in Saudi Arabia

This discovery represents a qualitative addition to cultural and heritage tourism in Saudi Arabia, as it opens the door for Arab tourists to explore an archaeological site that combines the religious, historical and economic dimensions at the same time. It also provides the Arab investor with promising opportunities in the sectors of hospitality, tourism services and specialized cultural tours in the Al-Baha region, especially with the increasing interest in heritage tourism within the goals of Vision 2030.