Al Khamis Mosque
Al Khamis Mosque
- The Khamis Musjid is believed to be the first Musjid in Bahrain, built during the era of the Umayyad caliph Umar II. According to Al Wasat journalist Kassim Hussain, other sources mention that it was built in a later era during the rule of Uyunids with one minaret. The second was built two centuries later during the rule of Usfurids.
- The identical twin minarets of this ancient Islamic monument make it easily noticeable as one drives along the Shaikh Salman Road in Khamis.
- It is considered to be one of the oldest Musjids in the region, as its foundation is believed to have been laid as early as 692 CE. An inscription found on the site, however, suggests a foundation date of sometime during the 11th century. It has since been rebuilt twice in both the 14th and 15th centuries, when the minarets were constructed. The Khamis Musjid has been partially restored recently.
- Al Khamis visitor’s center provides a permanent exhibition at the site of the oldest Islamic archaeological site and mosque in Bahrain