New Encyclopedia Preserves Architectural Story of Islam’s Second Holiest Site

IQNA – For the millions who pray at the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina each year, its soaring minarets and retractable canopies are a familiar sight, but few know how the structure has changed since the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

A new scholarly encyclopedia documenting the architectural evolution of the Prophet’s Mosque has emerged as a major reference work, charting the development of one of Islam’s most significant landmarks across centuries.

Published by the Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah Research and Studies Center, the project forms part of broader efforts to systematically record the mosque’s history and features through a rigorous academic framework enhanced by modern research tools.

The encyclopedia traces the mosque’s transformation from its foundation during the Prophetic era through successive expansions across Islamic history, culminating in large-scale modern era developments that have expanded capacity while preserving its architectural and spiritual identity.

Beyond historical documentation, the work provides analytical insight into key structural elements — such as arcades, domes, and minarets — examining their functional and aesthetic evolution, alongside associated landmarks that underscore the mosque’s enduring religious and civilizational role.

By preserving and systematizing the architectural memory of the Prophet’s Mosque, the encyclopedia is expected to fill a critical gap in scholarly research, offering a valuable resource for academics, students, and those interested in the cultural and human dimensions embedded in the mosque’s design.

Source: Arab News