جامع الأمير فيصل بن فهد

Gazing up at the towering minarets of Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque, one can almost hear the echoes of history whispering through the air. Here, in the heart of Riyadh, this grand mosque stands as a testament to the city’s rich spiritual and architectural heritage. Originally the Grand Mosque of Riyadh, it served as a vital gathering place for scholars and worshippers for generations. As part of the Qasr Al-Hukm Development Program, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) meticulously rebuilt Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque on its original site. This reconstruction, completed in 1993, expanded the mosque’s capacity to an impressive 17,000 worshippers. The main prayer hall, dedicated to men, and a separate area for women are joined by a vast courtyard that can also accommodate prayers. This open-air space, featuring wooden beamed ceilings, extends behind the main prayer area. Two majestic minarets, each reaching 50 meters towards the sky, flank the northern and southern sides of Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque. Their design incorporates traditional architectural elements, creating a visual link to the past. Beyond the prayer spaces, two libraries, one for men and one for women, provide a space for quiet contemplation and study. The construction of Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque showcases a blend of modern and traditional techniques. Prefabricated concrete units form the core structure. Riyadh Limestone clads the exterior and upper interior walls. White marble adorns the lower interior walls and columns. The textured ceiling slabs and triangular precept beams evoke the intricate wooden Mashrebiya patterns of the original mosque’s ceiling. The mosque is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including television and radio broadcast facilities and remotely controlled cameras. Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque enjoys a unique connection to the Qasr Al-Hukm Palace via two bridges spanning Assafah Square. This direct link underscores the mosque’s historical and ongoing significance within the city’s power center. In 1995, Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque received the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture. The jury praised its innovative design, which seamlessly integrates traditional Najdi architectural elements without mere replication. They highlighted the mosque’s harmonious placement within the surrounding urban fabric, complementing rather than dominating the cityscape.