The Secret of the Cool Marble Floors in the Grand Mosque
Upon taking their first step into the House of Allah, visitors feel the coolness of the Grand Mosque’s floors under their feet, despite the intense summer heat that can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius. This sensation is not a coincidence but the result of meticulous design and unique materials. Among these materials is Thassos marble, specially imported from the island of Thassos in Greece, which adds elegance and comfort for worshippers and pilgrims.
Features of the Marble
Thassos marble possesses unique properties that keep it cool even on the hottest summer days. The marble used in the Two Holy Mosques is 5 centimeters thick and absorbs moisture through its fine pores at night, releasing it during the day to maintain the floors’ coolness. It also reflects light and heat, a characteristic unique to this type of marble. Additionally, the marble is cut and aligned to face the Qibla, aiding worshippers in determining the direction of the Ka’bah even when it is not visible.
King Khalid, may Allah have mercy on him, is credited with completing the Grand Mosque’s expansion in the 1970s, during which Thassos marble was used in the Mataf, enhancing worshippers’ comfort during the scorching midday heat.