One of Bahrain’s Oldest Islamic Archaeological Sites and the First Mosque Built Outside the Arabian Peninsula
Visit Khamis Mosque to explore one of Bahrain’s most ancient Islamic archaeological sites and the first mosque built in the country. Located in the northern area of Bahrain, about 4 kilometres from the capital, Manama, the mosque was constructed during the Umayyad Caliphate under Caliph Umar bin Abdul Aziz in the 8th century CE. The nearby visitor centre provides information about the site’s history and significance, along with displaying artifacts discovered at the location.
Photos & Videos
What to Expect
Discover the Mosque's Ruins
The mosque features architectural characteristic of the Umayyad period, built using palm tree trunks, plaster, and stones. Among the discoveries at the site is an ancient water spring once used for ablution, along with gravestones—large rocks decorated with Islamic inscriptions that identify the graves' occupants, who were often scholars. The mosque’s twin minarets, each approximately 25 metres tall, are one of its most distinctive features.
Why is it Called Khamis Mosque?
Constructed during the 8th century CE under Caliph Umar bin Abdul Aziz, the mosque was later renovated by the Uyunid rulers of Bahrain in the 12th century, with additional restorations over the years. The mosque's name is derived from the Thursday Market (Souq Khamis), held every Thursday nearby and once one of the most famous markets in the area. The mosque was also known as the "Mosque of the Two Minarets," owing to its tall twin minarets, which were landmarks visible from land and sea, guiding visitors to the mosque and surrounding areas.
One of Bahrain’s Oldest Islamic Archaeological Sites and the First Mosque Built Outside the Arabian Peninsula
Visit Khamis Mosque to explore one of Bahrain’s most ancient Islamic archaeological sites and the first mosque built in the country. Located in the northern area of Bahrain, about 4 kilometres from the capital, Manama, the mosque was constructed during the Umayyad Caliphate under Caliph Umar bin Abdul Aziz in the 8th century CE. The nearby visitor centre provides information about the site’s history and significance, along with displaying artifacts discovered at the location.
Photos & Videos
What to Expect
Discover the Mosque's Ruins
The mosque features architectural characteristic of the Umayyad period, built using palm tree trunks, plaster, and stones. Among the discoveries at the site is an ancient water spring once used for ablution, along with gravestones—large rocks decorated with Islamic inscriptions that identify the graves' occupants, who were often scholars. The mosque’s twin minarets, each approximately 25 metres tall, are one of its most distinctive features.
Why is it Called Khamis Mosque?
Constructed during the 8th century CE under Caliph Umar bin Abdul Aziz, the mosque was later renovated by the Uyunid rulers of Bahrain in the 12th century, with additional restorations over the years. The mosque's name is derived from the Thursday Market (Souq Khamis), held every Thursday nearby and once one of the most famous markets in the area. The mosque was also known as the "Mosque of the Two Minarets," owing to its tall twin minarets, which were landmarks visible from land and sea, guiding visitors to the mosque and surrounding areas.
Tashan
Closed Opens Tuesday at 12:00
Monday Closed
Tuesday 12:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday 12:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Thursday 12:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Friday 12:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Saturday 12:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 PM - 05:00 PM
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