Somalia, 18 October 2025 - As the late afternoon sun cast a soft golden glow over the walls of Arba’a Rukun Mosque in Hamar Weyne, scholars, youth, and community elders gathered in quiet reverence. The meeting, held on Thursday, was more than a discussion — it was a call to protect one of Somalia’s oldest Islamic landmarks.
A Living Monument of Faith
Built in the 13th century, Arba’a Rukun is not just an architectural masterpiece but a cornerstone of Somalia’s Islamic history. For centuries, it served as a center for Qur’anic education and interpretation, drawing students from across the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
Today, it stands as one of the few remaining testimonies to Mogadishu’s golden era, when scholars, traders, and artisans built a thriving coastal civilization rooted in Islam and culture.
Hayaan Heritage, in partnership with the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, convened the event to highlight the urgent need for conservation. Participants warned that many of Somalia’s ancient mosques face neglect, unregulated renovation, or outright demolition — often replaced with modern structures that disregard historical design.
“The mosque is the one place where the poor and the wealthy stand equally. It is a symbol of unity and the Islamic identity of our country,” said Ibrahim Nadara, Director-General of the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs.
The ministry has launched a national initiative to register historic mosques, train imams in heritage awareness, and collaborate with architects to prevent unsupervised structural changes.
Heritage and Awareness
For many participants, the discussion struck a personal chord. Abdiwahaab Ahmed Ali, Director of Hayaan Heritage, said the event aimed to bridge the awareness gap among communities.
“One of the main goals of this gathering is to raise awareness among people who do not yet understand the importance of these mosques. They are not just places of prayer; they are our living history.”
Heritage organizations are now pushing for Somalia’s iconic mosques to be included in the proposed national cultural registry; a move they hope will pave the way for international recognition.
Voices of the Young Advocates
In fact, a growing number of young Somalis are turning to social media to champion heritage protection. Abdinasir, a youth activist who attended the meeting, believes preserving mosques is both a spiritual and civic duty.
“Preserving historic mosques is a religious duty. They safeguard the history of the community, and it is our responsibility to protect them.”
He works closely with other youths who photograph, record, and share content on platforms like TikTok and Facebook, to remind the new generation that these mosques are not only places of worship but also important symbols of community memory and religious identity.
Balancing Restoration and Authenticity
Somalia’s heritage sector has seen increased interest from international partners in recent years. However, experts warn that without proper oversight, well-intentioned restoration can cause irreversible damage.
Mohamed Elmi Tohow, a scholar from the Academy of Somali Arts, Culture, and Literature, cautioned:
“When a mosque like this is neglected, it ends up being destroyed, which is not right. Mosques should be preserved in their original form. There are experts who know how to handle this properly, but demolishing them and replacing them with decorative structures is not correct.”
The 2016 reconstruction of Arba’a Rukun by a Turkish organization remains a vivid reminder. While some praised the renewed attention, others lamented the loss of the mosque’s historical texture. The controversy underlined the need for national standards and technical training in conservation.
Cultural Identity and Nation-Building
Beyond architecture, participants viewed mosque preservation as a cultural and national project. Somalia’s ancient mosques — from the coral-stone domes of Mogadishu’s coast to the humble mud-brick masjids of the hinterlands — embody centuries of faith, learning, and community solidarity.
Preserving them reinforces a sense of identity and pride, especially for young Somalis reconnecting with their heritage after decades of conflict.
Hope for the Future
Despite limited funding and decades of neglect, optimism filled the hall as the meeting ended with a prayer. From imams to influencers, Somalia’s campaign to protect its sacred heritage is uniting voices across faith, culture, and academia.
The organizers hope the initiative will spark a national awakening — one that sees mosques not only as spaces for prayer but as timeless symbols of unity, knowledge, and the Somali spirit.
