IZKI: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism announced the completion of the restoration and maintenance of the historic Muqazzah Mosque in the Wilayat of Izki in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate last week.
The project is part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to preserve heritage buildings and historical religious landmarks across the Sultanate of Oman.
The Muqazzah Mosque is among the oldest mosques in the Wilayat of Izki, dating back more than four centuries. It is distinguished by its authentic Omani architectural style reflecting the beauty of traditional artisanship in construction and decoration.
The mosque begins with an outer courtyard on the eastern and southern sides, containing a small mihrab parallel to the inner one. The original large wooden lintels of its entrances have been preserved to maintain their historical value.
The prayer hall has two circular columns connected by traditional arches that form the niche (mihrab) facade. The mihrab itself is a rare artistic masterpiece, adorned with 18 ceramic tiles of varying shapes and colours, including blue and grassy hues, and decorated with motifs featuring birds and stars in a unique visual harmony.
The restoration work involved rebuilding of damaged sections using the original stones and applying moisture-proofing materials. Cracks in the walls, arches and columns were repaired, and the interior and exterior walls were restored with materials that maintain the building’s historical architectural style.
The renovation process preserved the mosque’s authentic character and retained its original structure. The interior and exterior components were renovated in a way that maintains their historical and aesthetic value and highlights their unique Omani architectural art.
The project reflects the ministry’s commitment to preserving historical religious landmarks and promoting the sustainability of Omani architectural heritage, ensuring its transmission to future generations as an integral part of the Omani identity and rich history. — ONA
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