Al Qubaib Mosque, also known as Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed Al-Thani Mosque, which is located on Al Ahmad Street in the New Markets area in Doha, is a cultural landmark that reflects the excellence of heritage architecture and the aesthetics that combines the strength of the structure and the beauty of the model.
In statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA) ), Engineer Mohamed Ali Abdullah and Dr Mahmoud Ramadan, who are experts in antiquities, architecture and heritage, explained that Qatar provided a model for preserving an authentic architectural tradition in the Arabian Peninsula and the Arabian Gulf, through rebuilding and restoring the Al Qubaib Mosque, adding that Qatar contributed to preserving it by using environmentally friendly materials, in line with the country’s vision of preserving heritage and sustainability.
The experts praised the mosque, which was built in 1878 in Doha, for retaining many important architectural elements that constitute the design style of traditional Qatari mosques in the 13th century AH (19th century CE).
The construction of Al Qubaib Mosque dates back to the era of the late Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed bin Thani, the founder of the modern State of Qatar (1878-1913), who ordered its construction. Thus, it remains a prominent Islamic cultural landmark among the state’s landmarks and a beacon of Islamic preaching.
For his part, Engineer Abdullah, a heritage expert at the Private Engineering Office, said that Qatar provided a model for preserving an authentic architectural tradition in the Arabian Peninsula and the Arabian Gulf region, through rebuilding and restoring Al Qubaib Mosque, contributing to preserving an original style that was on the verge of disappearing.
He pointed out that building the roof of the mosque with domes represents an ancient model in the region, noting that it is a method that was used in mosques only, not in homes and palaces, because domes are stronger in the face of climatic changes and the passage of time compared to wood. Whoever was responsible for building the mosque was keen to resist destruction to ensure the continuation of the good deeds of Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed who chose in 1878 one of the best architects of his era to implement this model.
Engineer Abdullah stated that two mosques were built in this style, one of them in Doha and the other is in Sheikh Jassim’s residence in Al Daayen when he settled there. Al Qubaib Mosque was a great, large building that could not be compared to any building on the coast of Doha in terms of size, the splendour of its 44 domes, or the strength of its construction.
The heritage expert at the Private Engineering Office stated that during the rainy seasons, the mud buildings would succumb to the winter rain and collapse, and people did not find a better refuge to shelter in than this mosque, according to what was narrated by residents of Doha who lived through that period.
He added that this mosque remained standing until it was demolished to build a modern mosque in its place during the beginning of the ‘60s. The mosque built of cement could not last more than 20 years, as cement began to fall from the ceiling. It was demolished and a mosque similar to the original one was build, but it differed from the old mosque in terms of its structural form and building materials. The 44 domes stood on four and more concrete cement columns, while originally, each dome was supported by four columns. In 2009, it was decided to rebuild that edifice according to its correct and true structural specifications. The walls and the domes were made of stone and plaster, and the use of modern materials such as concrete was prohibited. Dr Ramadan, an expert in Islamic archaeology and architecture, highlighted the historical significance of Al Qubaib Mosque. Until recently, the mosque retained many important architectural elements that represent the traditional Qatari mosque design of the 13th century Hijri (19th century CE), characterised by an open courtyard, four porticoes in the direction of the Qibla and a rooftop dome supported by columns.
He emphasised that the mosque’s architectural style showcases the ingenuity of the builders who used domes to cover the roof of the Mihrab. This style, unique to the period, was the second architectural phase in the history of mosque construction in Qatar. Although some later mosques adopted used four porticoes in their planning like the Kaab ibn Zuhair Mosque in Al Wakra from the late 20th century, they did not replicate the dome feature and added an additional prayer hall, resulting in a significant shift from the original style.
The mosque, including its external sanctuary, covers an area of about 1,698 sq m, accommodating nearly a thousand worshippers. Its walls, built of stone, feature rectangular doors on the northern and southern sides leading to the main open courtyard. The mosque’s main minaret occupies the southeastern corner of this courtyard, with the ablution area located on the eastern side, he explained.
The expert detailed that the Qibla canopy is rectangular, consisting of four porticoes, the largest being the Qibla arcade. This section of the Mihrab is devoid of decoration, protruding externally from the wall. The Mihrab leads to the stone pulpit and is flanked by sixteen windows, eight on each side. The one window on the left of the Mihrab served as the imam’s entrance. The remaining porticoes are also rectangular covered by circular domes in the direction of the Qibla supported by columns.
Dr Ramadan also said that the mosque’s main minaret, located in the southeastern corner of the courtyard, features a stone base and a cylindrical structure with triangular windows at the top for light and ventilation, capped with a ribbed dome adorned with a wooden crescent. One can access the minaret via a stone staircase ascending from the courtyard. In addition to this main minaret, three smaller spiral minarets are positioned at the three other corners of the mosque.
Al Qubaib Mosque underwent renovations and rebuilding in 1964, 1998, and most recently in 2012, when it was reopened after being restored to its traditional heritage design as it stands today. (QNA)
