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To this day, mosques around the world have continued to attract the masses due to their architectural brilliance, rich history and imposing minarets. Whilst many visit a mosque to marvel at the spectacular buildings, others are here to embrace a sense of equality as they stand side by side with people of different races, statuses and classes. Mosques are not only places for worship but also act as places of learning and unity as they consist of libraries, community centres and above all, madrasas. Below we list ten of the most stunning mosques from around the world:
Located in the holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia, Masjid al-Haram is the most revered of all mosques and also the world’s largest! Visited by millions for the Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages, the Qur’an records Masjid al-Haram as the first place on earth built for His worship. The Kabah in the middle is known as the Qiblah which is the direction Muslims face when praying daily.
Masjid Nabawi – also known as the Prophet’s PBUH Mosque – is located in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. The mosque is equally as beloved to Muslims and was constructed by the Prophet Muhammad PBUH and his companions. Prophetic traditions refer to it as the second holiest mosque after Masjid al-Haram which is why Muslims make it a point to visit before or after their pilgrimage to Makkah.
Malaysia is replete with spectacular mosques all boasting unique styles of architecture unlike anywhere else in the world. The Crystal Mosque of Kuala Terengganu which is located on Wan Man Island is no exception. As the name suggests, the mosque was constructed using crystal, glass and steel, which comes to life at night with its amazing lights! With the river surrounding the mosque, visitors come here to get a glimpse of what mosques will potentially look like in the future.
Known as the tallest building in Samarkand until the late 20th century, the Bibi Khanym mosque stands majestically as one of the largest and most grandiose mosques in the world! With three domed rooms, eight minarets and a spacious courtyard, the construction required over one hundred people to design and construct. Stories surrounding the purpose of its construction remain a mystery. However, many believe that its construction was ordered by Bibi Khanym – one of the wives of Tamerlane.
Located in the capital of UAE, the design of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a manifestation of what the royal family innately desired. Surrounded by reflective pools, the mosque boasts 82 domes and 1000 columns all of which have been designed to perfection. What’s more, the mosque is home to the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet and a 12-tonne chandelier which is known to be one of the largest used in a mosque.
The Tokyo Camii, located in the heart of Tokyo, is known to be the largest mosque in Japan! Constructed in 1938 by Tatars who escaped Kazan in Russia, the mosque’s design has been heavily influenced by Ottoman-Turkish architecture and covers an area of 700 square meters. Similar to mosques in Turkey, the Tokyo Camii has a dome which is supported by six imposing minarets.
Did you know that the Cologne Central Mosque is the largest in Germany? While there is a hint of Ottoman architecture, the mosque has gone for a more modern design. With glass walls as a major part of the design, Bekir Alboga of DITIB believes that it allows visitors to feel an impression of openness. The remaining parts of the building have been constructed using concrete and wood, whilst the dome is a point of interest as it is entirely transparent.
Located in the largest city in Morocco, stands the Hassan II Mosque. A point of interest to many around the world, the Hassan II Mosque is the largest mosque in Morocco and the third-largest in the world. Sitting on the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean, the mosque overlooks the sea majestically. The mosque is known to be home to the tallest minaret in the world which has a laser that shines a light toward the sacred city of Makkah every night.
The Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is undeniably one of the most awe-inspiring works of architecture in the world. An important symbol of the city and an integral part of Istanbul’s skyline, the mosque was constructed between 1609 and 1616 by Ottoman ruler Ahmed I. The mosque attained the name Blue Mosque due to its interior being decorated with 20,000 hand-painted blue tiles. With six needle-like minarets and multiple layered domes, visitors are left baffled at the grandeur and sheer size when they enter the courtyard.
Opened in 2001, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque was constructed by Sultan Qaboos to celebrate his 30 years of reign. With intricate crystal works and mosaic designs throughout the mosque, tourists have been flocking here to soak up the aesthetics and splendid architecture. Did you know that the interior boasts a Persian carpet which is known to be the second-largest hand-loomed carpet in the world? What’s more, it took four years and the effort of 600 women to weave this carpet!
To advertise with British Muslim magazine, our website and email newsletters, email Robyn
Having problems with your subscription?
Email:
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To contact the editor email
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Discover the World, one Full Adventure at a Time!
To advertise with British Muslim magazine, our website and email newsletters, email Robyn
Having problems with your subscription?
Email:
[email protected]
To contact the editor email
[email protected]
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