AL-NAMAS — Located in the center of Akesah town, northwest of Al-Namas governorate in Asir Region, the historic Akesah Mosque is distinguished by its construction in the Sarat style and is one of the oldest heritage buildings in the region, which was rehabilitated as part of Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman Project for Historical Mosques Renovation in the Kingdom, under which 30 mosques in 10 regions will be restored and rehabilitated.

The mosque, which dates back to more than 100 years ago, was the only mosque in the region, to which dozens of people from the village and neighboring villages used to flood into for prayers. Not only the mosque was used for holding the daily prayers, but it was also a cultural and scientific beacon for the locals and the surrounding areas, where sermons and lectures used to be delivered. It was also a destination where people used to learn writing and the teachings of the Holy Qur’an, in addition to acting an important social role in the society where the daily affairs of the public life were discussed.

The mosque was built of bricks, clay, and stones with a roof made of reinforced concrete, occupying an area of around (234 square meters) and accommodates some 84 worshipers. Before it was renovated, the mosque consisted of a prayer house, an outside courtyard, and a minaret with a height of 11.92 meters. It also included a small square, restrooms, sinks and a water tank.

Currently, the Akesah mosque, after being rehabilitated, consists of a prayer house, Al-Sarha (courtyard), restrooms, ablution places, and a depot. — SG