“Harmony in urban fabric” is more than just words. It describes Masjid Al Muqrin perfectly. The mosque stands in Riyadh. It blends seamlessly with its surroundings.
Masjid Al Muqrin does not impose itself. It exists in complete harmony. It is not a separated structure.
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City is dedicated. It combines worldly and religious aspects. This reflects integrity. It unites religion and life. Mosques in Riyadh represent prominent landmarks. They observe Islamic regulations. They also incorporate local architectural style.
Consider Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque. It represents this dedication. The RCRC rebuilt it. It stands on its original location. The area spans 16800 square meters. It accommodates about 17000 worshippers. It opened in January 1993.
This mosque features prayer areas for men and women. A 4800-square-meter courtyard can also be used for prayers. Wooden beamed ceilings hold lighting units and amplifiers. Two 50-meter high minarets rise on the northern and southern sides. They showcase traditional architectural designs. Two 325-square-meter libraries exist. One is for men. The other is for women.
Prefabricated concrete units form the primary construction. Riyadh Limestone covers the exterior and upper interior walls. White marble lines the lower interior walls and columns. Triangular precepts beams and textured ceiling slabs provide an appearance similar to wooden Mashrebiya. This was used in the old mosque. The mosque is equipped with live broadcast facilities and remote-controlled TV cameras.
Two bridges connect Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque to Qasr Al-Hukm Palace. They extend across Assafah Square at the level of the first floor.
The Imam Turki bin Abdullah mosque won the Agha Khan Award for Architecture in 1995. The design follows a style. This style can significantly contribute to future mosque designs. The jury hailed the innovative design. They especially praised the use of traditional spatial features. It reflects the unique local architectural design of the Najd region. These elements are incorporated without completely copying them.
Sheikh Muhammad bin Ibrahim Al Asheikh Mosque is another example. It is one of the historical mosques in Riyadh. It served as a beacon of knowledge for decades. The RCRC reconstructed it on its original location over 9000 square meters. It features prayer places for men and women. It also contains a nave and a portico. It hosts offices. These offices belong to the Committee for the Command of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice. The mosque has a maintenance facility, commercial shops, a library, and parking areas.
The RCRC achieved harmony. This harmony exists between the lighting system, external plazas, passageways, shaded seating areas, and parking lots. The mosque integrates with four development programs. These programs are Souq Al-Zall Development Program, High Court Headquarter, Penal Court Headquarter, and Dukhna Square.
Consider also Al-Midi Mosque. The Royal Commission for Riyadh City built it. It stands in the eastern section of King Abdulaziz Historical Center. The 581-square-meter mosque was an early facility. It used modern technologies. These technologies depend on local pressurized mud bricks. It can accommodate 500 people.
The mosque’s design matches other buildings. It maintains traditional elements. These elements include the courtyard and minaret stairs. It won the Award of the Organization of Arab and Muslim Capitals in 2007. The theme was municipal service projects.
Masjid Al Muqrin and other mosques reflect Riyadh’s commitment. It preserves religious heritage. It also integrates it with modern life.