The Saleh Mosque in the Yemeni capital, Sana'a - Photo by Anas Al-Haj
Name:
Masjid Al-Saleh
Saleh Mosque - Sana'a - Photo by Retlaw Snellac
Location:
Al Sabaeen Square, in the city of Sana'a
The Order of Construction and its Date:
The former president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, ordered its construction, and it was inaugurated on November 21, 2008.
Architectural Style:
The mosque was executed in a blend of Islamic architectural styles, with a predominant traditional Yemeni character in its minarets and some parts.
Description
The Saleh Mosque in Sana'a boasts a substantial total area of 224,831 square meters, encompassing not only the mosque itself but also surrounding facilities such as gardens, pedestrian walkways, and parking lots. Standing tall at 24 meters, the mosque can accommodate over fifty thousand worshippers. A separate prayer area for women was initially designed to hold 2,000 women, but it was later expanded to accommodate up to 4,000 women. The mosque also features beautiful side courtyards whereas the main prayer hall of the mosque is truly impressive, covering an expansive area of 13,596 square meters and spanning two levels. Accessible through ten main entrances, five on the eastern and western sides, as well as five on the southern side, worshippers can enter the main prayer hall or venture towards the rear arcade of the mosque, the Shariah College courtyard, or the ablution area.
The central area of the roof in the magnificent Saleh Mosque is adorned with five striking domes, adding to its architectural splendor. Four of these domes, with a diameter of 15.60 meters, gracefully rise to a height of 20.35 meters from the mosque's roof, creating an impressive sight. However, it is the central dome that truly captivates with its grandeur. With a diameter of 27.40 meters, it majestically reaches a height of 39.60 meters from the mosque's roof, serving as a prominent focal point of the entire structure. To further enhance the aesthetics of the mosque, four smaller domes are strategically positioned at the four corners of the roof. These charming domes, with a diameter of 8.90 meters, add a touch of elegance and symmetry to the overall design, standing at a height of 12.89 meters from the mosque's roof.
In addition to the magnificent domes, the Saleh Mosque boasts six majestic minarets that add a vertical grandeur to the architectural ensemble. Four of these minarets adorn the sides of the mosque, soaring to an impressive height of 100 meters. Their towering presence not only serves as a visual landmark but also symbolizes the significance of the mosque within the surrounding landscape. Furthermore, two minarets grace the sides of the Shariah College, standing tall at a height of 80 meters, adding to the visual harmony and balance of the entire complex.
Saleh Mosque - Sana'a - Photo by Retlaw Snellac
The architects of the Saleh Mosque took great care in crafting its design, opting for a rectangular shape. The main prayer hall was intelligently divided into two wings, one on the eastern side and the other on the western side. To facilitate the transition from the outer areas to the central space, the mosque's structure features gradual steps that ascend from the lower levels to the higher ones.
This deliberate design choice results in the creation of voids beneath the twenty-three main domes that grace the central area of the mosque. These voids not only serve as architectural elements but also play a crucial role in highlighting and accentuating the overall aesthetic concept of the mosque. They contribute to the sense of depth and grandeur, adding to the visual impact of the space.
Moreover, the architects also paid careful attention to the gradual relationship between the prayer hall and the main mosque, achieved through the use of corridors that lead to the grand central dome. The mosque includes a separate prayer area for women, located above the rear corridor. It is connected to the main mosque through windows that overlook the prayer hall, accessible through dedicated entrances that ensure segregation between men and women. As a result, the architectural concept of the mosque has undoubtedly resulted in a magnificent and visually striking exterior form and structure. It allows observers to comprehend and appreciate the various elements of the project from all directions, showcasing an impressive architectural composition.
Further, the Mosque stands out with its remarkable six minarets, each showcasing a distinct and special design. Among them, four minarets proudly reach a towering height of 106 meters, including the crescent adornment. These majestic minarets are supported by specially designed foundations that extend a remarkable depth of 35 meters into the ground. With a diameter of 70 centimeters, each minaret is meticulously crafted to ensure its strength and stability.
The inclusion of these unique minarets not only adds to the aesthetic allure of the mosque but also serves a practical purpose. By fortifying the structural integrity of the mosque, these minarets contribute to its resilience against seismic activity, reinforcing its ability to withstand earthquakes. This thoughtful design element combines both form and function, presenting a truly remarkable architectural achievement in the Mosque.
The stones that Yemenis have been renowned for using in construction throughout history have once again come to the forefront. These building and decorative stones possess exceptional resistance to environmental factors and harmonize with the surrounding nature, in addition to their long lifespan. For this purpose, samples were taken from historical structures such as the Marib Dam and the Throne of Bilqis, to compare them with the stones sourced for the construction of the Saleh Mosque. This was done to ensure the quality and durability of the stones used in the construction, as well as to ensure their compatibility with Yemen's heritage and aesthetics.
Based on that, the project specifications were determined with four types of stones: black basalt stones, limestone stones in black, white, and red colors. The specifications also defined the dimensions of the building stones, ensuring a minimum length of 160 centimeters and a minimum height of 80 centimeters. During the project execution, architectural samples were created according to the desired shape. After the President's approval, these samples were adopted and implemented.
Based on those considerations, the specifications for the building materials were established, incorporating four distinct types of stones: black basalt stones and limestone stones in black, white, and red colors. The specifications also outlined the dimensions of the building stones, with a minimum length of 160 centimeters and a minimum height of 80 centimeters. Throughout the execution of the project, architectural samples were meticulously crafted, aligning with the desired shape and design. These samples were then presented for the President's approval, ensuring that they met the envisioned aesthetic and structural requirements. Once approved, these samples were officially adopted and implemented in the construction process of the Saleh Mosque, contributing to its remarkable beauty and grandeur.
In addition to that, white limestone was used for the external facades, while red stone was specifically chosen for decorative belts on the facades due to its limited quantity and the smaller sizes of stones required. Lastly, red granite with white speckles was adopted to clad the interior columns of the mosque.
Furthermore, the traditional Yemeni clay bricks, known as "Yajoor," were selected for cladding the facades of the minarets. These clay bricks possess a rare aesthetic beauty and have a long lifespan, making them an ideal choice to preserve Yemen's rich architectural heritage. By incorporating these materials, the Saleh Mosque not only showcases the unique beauty of each stone but also pays homage to Yemen's architectural legacy.
From the depths of Yemen's rich heritage of intricate wooden craftsmanship, the designs of the mosque's wooden elements were born. To bring this vision to life, only the finest internationally recognized wood types were meticulously chosen to create 15 majestic main doors, each surpassing an impressive size of 23 meters an adorned with meticulous Arabic calligraphy and embellished with brass treated using cutting-edge PDV techniques. The wooden ceilings of the mosque are a testament to the mastery of craftsmanship, comprising over 30,000 ornate decorative pieces adorned with pure gold and vibrant colors. Installed at soaring heights of up to 23 meters, these meticulously crafted elements create a captivating and awe-inspiring atmosphere within the mosque. Furthermore, the exterior domes of the mosque are covered with GRC (Glass Reinforced Concrete), a modern material that emulates the malleability of traditional Yemeni gypsum in decorative works. Not only does this material retain its shape and durability over time, but it also showcases the seamless harmony between Yemen's architectural heritage and modern scientific techniques, beautifully capturing the essence of the President's vision.
In regards to the engraving and inscriptions of Quranic verses, a total of 708 verses from 62 surahs were meticulously engraved. Additionally, the completed surahs within the mosque and the college reached a total of eight, namely: Al-Fatiha, Yasin, Al-Rahman, Al-Qadr, Al-Asr, Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas. These verses and surahs beautifully adorn the walls of the mosque, showcasing the reverence and importance placed on the sacred words of the Quran.
The noteworthy aspect of the interior lighting fixtures is their exquisite craftsmanship using globally renowned crystal. These lighting fixtures bring a touch of elegance and brilliance to the mosque. To illuminate the grandeur of the domes and columns inside the mosque, modern lighting lamps were carefully selected, casting a warm and serene ambiance. For the main entrances, prayer areas, and internal and external corridors of the college, exceptional handcrafted brass chandeliers were chosen. These chandeliers, adorned with intricate Arabic patterns, add a sense of beauty and cultural significance to the space. The interplay of light and shadow created by these chandeliers enhances the overall atmosphere and architectural splendor of the mosque.
In keeping up with the advancements in technology, the mosque is equipped with state-of-the-art audio and live television broadcasting systems. These systems enable seamless communication and facilitate the transmission of religious teachings and events to a wider audience.
Moreover, the safety and security of the mosque and its occupants are of utmost importance. To ensure this, advanced systems for fire protection and lightning protection have been implemented to guarantee a secure environment for worshipers, preserving the sanctity and tranquility of the mosque.
Indeed, the Saleh Mosque in Sana'a has a magnetic allure that draws visitors from all corners of the globe. Its exquisite beauty and architectural splendor captivate the hearts and minds of those who have the opportunity to witness it firsthand. People flock to the mosque to immerse themselves in its serene atmosphere and to experience the spiritual essence it exudes.
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