1,200-Year-Old Architectural Patterns Found in Othman bin Affan Mosque

The Jeddah Historic District Program discovered architectural patterns dating back 1,200 years during archaeological studies at the Othman bin Affan Mosque in Historic Jeddah, shedding new light on the mosque's history and the evolution of religious architecture in the region.

The Othman bin Affan Mosque has served as a place of worship for centuries. While the mosque underwent various renovations over the years, the recent archaeological studies reveal the original design principles employed during its construction in the 8th century. The use of tiles persisted for a remarkable span of 400 years. Further investigations suggest that the floor artisans, starting from the conclusion of the Mamluk era in the 15th and 16th centuries, consistently reused the identical tiles dating back to the 14th century AH during each phase of the restoration endeavors.

The archaeological investigations employed a combination of sophisticated techniques like ground-penetrating radar and meticulous excavation. These efforts led to the discovery of the mosque's original courtyard layout and the footprint of the roofed prayer hall, confirming its adherence to the traditional architectural style prevalent in the region during its early years.

The research also unearthed a treasure trove of archaeological artifacts, including fragments of Chinese porcelain and pottery dating back as far as the 4th century. These finds not only add further context to the mosque's construction timeline but also provide valuable insights into the trade routes and cultural exchange that existed during that historical period.