Gallery
Description
Property Name: Al Khamis Mosque
Inventory No: 973-3-1
Date of infill of the inventory form: 2009-08-24
Country (State party): Bahrain
Province: Khamis
Town:
Geographic coordinates: 26° 12′ 29.57″ N
50° 32′ 53.43″ E
Historic Period: 8th century, 1st half
Year of Construction: 717-720
Style: Umayyad
Original Use: Mosque
Current Use: Mosque
Architect: Unknown
Significance
Al Khamis mosque which is believed to be the first mosque in Bahrain has build during the Umayyad caliphate. It was built between 717-720 and restored between 1339-1340. Some of the walls, columns and the twin minarets which are restored are the remaining parts of the construction.
Selection Criteria
vi. to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance
State of Preservation
The mosque is restored between 1339-1340. This Mosque has been built several times throughout history and new additions have been added. The original part of the Mosque is believed to have been built towards the end of the 7th century. Some parts of the Mosque were built in different centuries. These parts; the 1st minaret was constructed during the 11th century. The 2nd minaret was constructed during the 13th century. In the 14th century, a flat-roofed prayer hall supported by wooden columns was added. In the 15th century, arches based on thick masonry piers were supported. In addition, some of the built sections were used as Quran school and boarding school. This Mosque was used for worship until the 1960s. Since then it has been partially restored. But now, this Mosque has lost its originality and continues to exist as a historical artifact for visitors.
References
Whelan, John, Bahrain: a MEED practical guide, London, 1981