Awqaf opens revamped heritage mosque at Old Umm Al-Qahab

The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs, represented by the Department of Mosques, has opened the heritage mosque at Old Umm Al-Qahab.According to an official Awqaf statement, the mosque was opened after comprehensive maintenance work.The work was carried out under the supervision of the Maintenance Department of the Engineering Affairs Department at the ministry in co-ordination with the Architectural Conservation Department at Qatar Museums and with funding from the General Administration of Endowments.With number MS 396, the mosque has a main prayer hall with space for 34 worshippers. The mosque’s courtyard can accommodate the same number of worshippers.The mosque includes a courtyard with an area of 120 sq m and the minaret is located on its southeastern corner.The maintenance was carried out on the exterior and interior walls of the mosque while retaining the heritage elements.Also, a new roof for the mosque in the same old architectural spirit was built using special wood, bamboo sticks, mats and wooden panels. Also, thermal and water insulation were placed. Small pebbles were spread in the courtyard and a concrete walkway was set up for people with special needs.Awqaf said that while keen to preserve the heritage spirit of the mosque, the mosque was provided with a new electrical network along with air conditioning, lighting, sound and safety and security devices.The Department of Engineering Affairs at the ministry is concerned with fulfilling the needs of the regions in the country for mosques and prayer grounds while providing temporary mosques and supervising their preservation as well as preparing the annual plan for the maintenance of mosques and imams’ residences. These are in co-ordination with the competent authorities.For mosque designs, the department takes into account the requirements of different areas along with the guidelines for green and sustainable buildings and preserving the aesthetics of heritage in designs that reflect the authenticity of Qatari and Islamic heritage by the highest standards.The ministry’s plans to build mosques also take into account the population density map along with engineering, architectural specifications, and heritage aspects within the framework of caring for the mosques to perform worship and serve the worshippers.Awqaf’s website allows users to search for mosque locations geographically, according to the global navigation system, through accurate and specific maps that facilitate access to mosque locations in all cities across the country.