News, Saudi: The mission that has 18 members of Saudi and French scientists and experts in archeological excavation has discovered a huge mosque at the Yamamah site in Kharj that existed in the early Islamic era in between first and fifth centuries hegira according to Islamic calender.
The mosque was composed of three roofed halls, two mihrabs, and open body hall. There are indicators that it may be the third biggest mosque in the Arabian Peninsula after the two holy mosques.
The archeological survey also covered Bana settlement in addition to five other Islamic sites distributed on many areas located between Riyadh and Wadi al-Dawasir, Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper reported.
Their work has resulted in the discovery of a number of sites dating back to the Stone Age, too, which is the first time that sites from this period (thought to be as many as 100,000 years old) have been discovered in Al-Kharj.
Broken remains of clay and green glassware were found in the area, as well as remains of bracelets made from yellow, red, and blue clay and glass beads. Some remains of gray stone plates were also found, which appear to be parts of lanterns, among other artefacts. These small plates appear to date back to the Abassid Era, or the period just before the start of Islam in the 5th century AH.
The Saudi-French Joint Mission is working in accordance with an agreement inked between the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage and their French counterpart, signed on Sept. 21, 2011 to conduct excavations among the sites in Al-Kharj.
Prince Sultan bin Salman, chairman of the Saudi Council for Tourism and National Heritage, expressed his appreciation for the important work that the teams are carrying out in each sites to prepare them for visits from residents and tourists wishing to learn about their historical significance. The excavation work is being carried out in line with the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, to care for historical sites and promote awareness among citizens about Islamic history in the Kingdom.