Bahrain: Plans are underway to rebuild a historic mosque located in the heart of Bahrain’s oldest market, where both Sunni and Shi’ite Muslims used to gather for prayers.
Shaikh Qassim Al Mehza Mosque, in the Manama Suq, was named after a leading religious leader and magistrate when it was built in the early 1900s.
It was rebuilt in the 1980s, but then closed after the more modern structure fell into a state of disrepair.
However, ruins of the original mosque – about 1.2 metres tall – are still visible and heritage chiefs are now preparing to restore the place of worship based on its original structure.
The project also involves restoration of eight shops around the mosque that are listed as heritage sites, revealed Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) heritage conservation consultant Dr Alaa El Habashi.
“Usually we opt to just repair significant sites instead of rebuilding them,” he said.
“However, we don’t have any documents showing how the mosque looked when it was first built and the existing building is of no historical value.
“Rebuilding the mosque is the most suitable option.
“Only the ruins of the old mosque are valuable, as well as around eight shops that are endowments essential for funding the mosque.
“We are now in the design phase, which will be followed by setting a budget and finding a sponsor.
“The new plan will include a women’s prayer section, which was not available before, and also expanding the mosque’s space.
“This was discussed during a meeting with the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry.”
The mosque is located near the Sahara Hotel and Manama Suq Committee vice-chairman Mahmood Al Namliti welcomed the initiative.
“The mosque was a number one choice for Muslim tourists who were told about its historical significance,” said Mr Al Namliti, who owns a number of shops in the suq.
“It is located in the heart of the suq and was preferred by shop owners and workers, as well as taxi drivers.
“Both Sunni and Shi’ite Muslims went
there to pray.
“After closing it around five years ago, it feels like the spirit of the area is missing. I hope they will reopen it again.
“Bahrain is developing as a tourist destination and such a site deserves to be visited.
“A site like this is what tourists want to see and take pictures of.
“The suq represents the identity of the country and has to be among the government’s priorities because tourists simply won’t come to Bahrain to spend their time in malls and places of no historical significance.
“Thanks to Baca president Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, more historical sites are preserved and Bahrain is becoming known to people around the world.
“She is taking care of even the smallest things and is keen on developing the suq, as she ordered repairing a number of its old coffee shops and old buildings.”
shahlaa@gdn.com.bh
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