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Prophet's Mosque Expansion Exhibition Showcases Architectural Heritage

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA
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Prophet's Mosque Expansion Exhibition Showcases Architectural Heritage

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA

The Prophet's Mosque Expansion Exhibition provides a cultural and historical glimpse into the exquisite Islamic architecture of the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, according to SPA.
The exhibition spans over 2,200 square meters south of the mosque. It enhances the visitor experience by showcasing intricate architectural details, including the minbar and mihrab, domes and canopies, doors and minarets, courtyards, and visitor-friendly services. Modern murals and multilingual displays present the content, offering a comprehensive educational journey.
Cutting-edge technology and interactive screens allow visitors to delve into the mosque's architectural intricacies and explore its history.

A dedicated hall displays a rare collection of artifacts, reflecting the significance of the Prophet's Mosque and the historical importance of the two holy mosques.

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Heritage Commission Reveals Oldest Known Use of Harmal Plant in Human History

Heritage Commission Reveals Oldest Known Use of Harmal Plant in Human History
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Heritage Commission Reveals Oldest Known Use of Harmal Plant in Human History

Heritage Commission Reveals Oldest Known Use of Harmal Plant in Human History

A landmark scientific study published in the international "Communications Biology" journal revealed the earliest known use of the harmal plant (Peganum harmala), dating back around 2,700 years to the Iron Age, based on archaeological findings from the ancient settlement of Qurayyah in Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk Region, according to a Saudi Heritage Commission press release, SPA reported.
Conducted as part of a joint research effort by the Saudi Heritage Commission, the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany, and the University of Vienna in Austria, the study explores the therapeutic and social dimensions of ancient practices in the Arabian Peninsula, underscoring the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing scientific understanding of its cultural heritage.
Using high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), researchers performed advanced chemical analyses on organic residues preserved inside pottery incense burners. These analyses detected alkaloids from the harmal plant, providing physical evidence of its use in fumigation rituals for therapeutic purposes.
The harmal plant, also known locally as rue, is recognized for its antibacterial and healing properties. Its documented use at Qurayyah not only reflects early medicinal knowledge but also highlights the continuity of traditional practices in the region.
This discovery further underscores the longstanding cultural and therapeutic traditions of the Arabian Peninsula and demonstrates the Saudi Heritage Commission’s ongoing commitment to international research collaboration.
This research aligns with the broader goals of the Saudi Ministry of Culture to support pioneering initiatives that contribute to the global understanding of human history and to reframe the cultural legacy of the Arabian Peninsula through a modern scientific lens.