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Darah Launches ‘History of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques’ Forum

Muslim pilgrims walk out after the Friday prayer at the Grand mosque ahead of annual Hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia August 17, 2018.REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra
Muslim pilgrims walk out after the Friday prayer at the Grand mosque ahead of annual Hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia August 17, 2018.REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra
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Darah Launches ‘History of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques’ Forum

Muslim pilgrims walk out after the Friday prayer at the Grand mosque ahead of annual Hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia August 17, 2018.REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra
Muslim pilgrims walk out after the Friday prayer at the Grand mosque ahead of annual Hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia August 17, 2018.REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra

King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) launched Monday the “History of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques” forum at the Hajj Conference and Exhibition, organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in collaboration with the “Pilgrim Experience Program”.

The forum aims to highlight the Kingdom’s historical and organizational efforts in serving the Two Holy Mosques, document the architectural and artistic transformations of the holy sites, and adopt the latest digital methods for studying the history of Hajj, SPA reported.

Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, Chairman of the Council of Muslim Scholars, and member of the Supreme Supervisory Committee for the Hajj and Two Holy Mosques History Project Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa delivered a speech underscoring the importance of preserving the history of Hajj and its landmarks. He emphasized the scholarly responsibility to document the Kingdom’s prominent role in serving pilgrims and caring for the Two Holy Mosques throughout history.

For his part, Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Al-Rabiah highlighted major advancements in the Hajj ecosystem, including administration, organization, and services. He stressed the importance of harnessing historical research and modern technologies to support decision-making, shape the future of Hajj and Umrah, and enhance the quality of services provided to pilgrims.

The forum aims to promote specialized scientific research in this field and translate its outcomes into educational and media content. It also seeks to shed light on the historical evolution of the Hajj in the Islamic world, reflecting the Kingdom’s deep commitment to documenting and preserving the legacy of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques, two of Islam’s greatest rituals and enduring symbols of civilization.

The forum’s significance lies in its focus on Hajj as a pillar of Islamic identity and a manifestation of unity among Muslims. Through this platform, Darah seeks to transform research outputs into accessible cultural and educational content. Organized as part of the broader project on the history of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques, the forum aligns with the Foundation’s mission to preserve and document the Kingdom’s history and that of its holiest sites.

It aspires to serve as a national and global reference for chronicling the Hajj ritual and promoting the Kingdom’s cultural and civilizational image, in line with Vision 2030 objectives in culture and tourism, through interactive scientific and digital content that showcases the historical depth of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques.

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Culture

Michelangelo’s Works Hidden in ‘Secret Room’, Researcher Says

Pedestrians walk past the Basilica of Santa Agnese Outside the Walls as a marble bust is displayed inside after being identified as a work by Michelangelo Buonarroti after centuries without attribution, following a decade of archival research by Italian researcher Valentina Salerno in Rome on March 4, 2026. (AFP)
Pedestrians walk past the Basilica of Santa Agnese Outside the Walls as a marble bust is displayed inside after being identified as a work by Michelangelo Buonarroti after centuries without attribution, following a decade of archival research by Italian researcher Valentina Salerno in Rome on March 4, 2026. (AFP)
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Michelangelo’s Works Hidden in ‘Secret Room’, Researcher Says

Pedestrians walk past the Basilica of Santa Agnese Outside the Walls as a marble bust is displayed inside after being identified as a work by Michelangelo Buonarroti after centuries without attribution, following a decade of archival research by Italian researcher Valentina Salerno in Rome on March 4, 2026. (AFP)
Pedestrians walk past the Basilica of Santa Agnese Outside the Walls as a marble bust is displayed inside after being identified as a work by Michelangelo Buonarroti after centuries without attribution, following a decade of archival research by Italian researcher Valentina Salerno in Rome on March 4, 2026. (AFP)

Renaissance artist Michelangelo ordered many of his artworks to be hidden by his pupils in a secret room to protect them for posterity, an Italian researcher claimed Wednesday.

According to renowned art historian Giorgio Vasari, the Italian genius burned a large number of his own drawings and sketches before his death in Rome in 1564.

But researcher Valentina Salerno says she has unearthed unpublished archival documents that reveal a plot to squirrel away his works.

"One of these three unpublished documents I found in the archives speaks of a room" kept by students of the Michelangelo school, the origins of which "can be traced back" to the artist, Salerno told AFP on the sidelines of a press conference in Rome.

"Assets are hidden inside this room. These assets are locked away so tightly that they require a system of multiple keys, so that no one can access them without the permission of others," she said.

Salerno was researching a book on Michelangelo when she came across a document that showed the artist had in 1550 joined the Brotherhood of the Most Holy Crucifix. Those close to him in his final years were members too.

Over a decade of research, she followed the document trail between a series of archives in the Vatican, Italy and European cities including Paris.

As part of what she called a "maniacal plan" cooked up by Michelangelo, his works were to be hidden "because otherwise it would all end up with a nephew he detested".

"The goal was to pass on to his poor, vulnerable, non-noble descendants the material to be able to continue studying, to transmit his art to future generations," she said.

Those involved in the plan went on to form the famous art Academy of San Luca in the 16th century, she added. It still exists today.

Salerno believes the secret room designed to safeguard the artist's creations was likely somewhere inside the Saint Peter in Chains church in central Rome.

- Michelangelo bust -

During her research, she also stumbled across a reference to a bust at the Basilica of Sant'Agnese, also in Rome, currently attributed to an anonymous artist.

She found documents attributing the white bust to Michelangelo down the centuries.

In the 1930s it appears to disappear from documentation, only to reappear in the 1980s, attributed to a minor artist.

Italy's cultural authorities later declared it to be a work by an unknown sculptor instead.

But Salerno insists the bust is a genuine Michelangelo, not just due to the paper trail, but also because it shares a striking resemblance to Tommaso dei Cavalieri, a young nobleman.

Salerno's work has not yet been peer reviewed, but she is a member of the Vatican committee for the celebrations marking the 500th anniversary of Michelangelo's birth.

Culture

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Al-Hawza Mosque in Aseer

Following its inclusion in the project in 2022, the mosque's area was expanded to 293 square meters - SPA
Following its inclusion in the project in 2022, the mosque's area was expanded to 293 square meters - SPA
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Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Al-Hawza Mosque in Aseer

Following its inclusion in the project in 2022, the mosque's area was expanded to 293 square meters - SPA
Following its inclusion in the project in 2022, the mosque's area was expanded to 293 square meters - SPA

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques is rehabilitating Al-Hawza Mosque in Dhahran Al-Janoub, Aseer, as part of its mission to preserve Islamic heritage under Vision 2030.

Built in 8 AH by Ali ibn Abi Talib during his trip to Yemen to spread Islam, the mosque is one of the oldest in the region and has undergone expansions in 1213 AH and 1353 AH. Its unique architectural identity reflects the Sarawat region's style, utilizing layered mud bricks and local wood to harmonize with the mountainous environment, SPA reported.

Following its inclusion in the project in 2022, the mosque's area was expanded to 293 square meters, increasing its capacity to 148 worshippers while maintaining authentic features like its historic internal well.

By utilizing specialized Saudi companies and engineers, the project achieves a balance between traditional sustainability and modern standards, fulfilling strategic goals to restore architectural authenticity and highlight the Kingdom’s civilizational depth.

Culture

'Moon Spotter': AlUla's Enduring Tradition of Crescent Sighting

The people of AlUla in Saudi Arabia have long maintained a close relationship with nature, reflected in their careful observation of crescent moons. (SPA)
The people of AlUla in Saudi Arabia have long maintained a close relationship with nature, reflected in their careful observation of crescent moons. (SPA)
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'Moon Spotter': AlUla's Enduring Tradition of Crescent Sighting

The people of AlUla in Saudi Arabia have long maintained a close relationship with nature, reflected in their careful observation of crescent moons. (SPA)
The people of AlUla in Saudi Arabia have long maintained a close relationship with nature, reflected in their careful observation of crescent moons. (SPA)

The people of Saudi Arabia’s AlUla have long maintained a close relationship with nature, reflected in their careful observation of crescent moons and the determination of lunar months, particularly Ramadan and Shawwal (Eid). This tradition was carried out through a role locally known as the “Moon Spotter,” reflecting inherited astronomical knowledge passed down through generations.

Known for sharp eyesight and precise knowledge of celestial timings, the Moon Spotter relied on traditional methods, including placing a copper vessel filled with water at an elevated position to observe the reflections of the sun and moon, which helped determine the crescent's position with accuracy.

Upon sighting the crescent, he would mark the reflected point with a palm frond before notifying the relevant court to contribute to the official announcement, the Saudi Press Agency said.

This heritage is closely tied to AlUla's historically clear skies, which enabled residents to observe celestial bodies with clarity and fostered a lasting connection to astronomy as part of their cultural legacy.