Al-Zarib Castle Mosque

Al-Zarib Castle Mosque is a historic mosque located within al-Zarib Castle in Wadi al-Zarib, approximately ten km southeast of al-Wajh Governorate in Tabuk Province, along the old Hajj route. It was built alongside the castle in 1617 to serve as a place of worship for pilgrims seeking refuge and protection for their caravans. The mosque is situated about 325 km southwest of Tabuk City.

Al-Zarib Castle is one of the most significant fortresses along the old Egyptian Hajj route and was part of a network of castles constructed to protect pilgrimage caravans, including al-Muwaylih Castle, al-Azlam Castle, and al-Zarib Castle. The castle suffered damage and bombardment during the Great Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire, which led to the destruction of large sections. In 2015, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (now the Ministry of Tourism) carried out restoration work on both the castle and mosque, ensuring the preservation of their historical character.

Al-Zarib Castle Mosque features a distinct architectural style, constructed of stone with a wooden roof. It spans approximately ninety-five m² and can accommodate around sixty worshippers. Adjacent to it is an open courtyard covering about ninety-one m². The mosque includes a well and a water basin next to its eastern entrance, which is octagonal in shape and covered with an iron lid. Recently, restrooms were added, with a total area of twenty-eight m². The mosque has two entrances, on the eastern and western façades. The prayer hall is one of its significant sections, with the mihrab located on the western side of the qibla wall. It contains two doors and two windows flanking the entrance on the eastern wall. The mosque also has an octagonal minaret, and historical photographs indicate that its dome was originally conical. Surrounding it are wells and reservoirs that were used to provide water for pilgrims.