14 The world's most beautiful Mosques
Mosques are holy places of worship; they are awe-inspiring works of craftsmanship. The most beautiful mosques in the world are breathtaking structures that boast an equally beautiful heritage and history. They attract tourists from around the world, who admire their beauty as much as the architectural excellence and finesse. A mosque—called masjid in Arabic—is a sacred place where Muslims gather to perform Salat or offer prayers. Literally, it means ‘a place of ritual prostration’. Mosques continue to be a testament to the faith of millions of Muslims for centuries.
1. Al-Haram Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia
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| Masjid al Haram |
Al-Haram Mosque is one of the most important places of worship in the world. The mosque is visited by millions of people every year for the rituals of Hajj and Umrah and is mentioned in the Quran as the first place built for the worship of Allah. This is the largest mosque in the world.
Al-Haram Mosque, which covers an area of 400,800 m2, is not only the largest Islamic shrine, but also the most beautiful of the most beautiful mosques in the world. It is one of the most important places of worship in the entire world, visited by millions of people every year for the rituals of Hajj and Umrah. It is mentioned in the holy book of Quran as the first place built for the worship of Allah. It is also known as the Forbidden Mosque because it is forbidden to fight in its vicinity. Al-Haram, considered one of the most important mosques in Islam, houses the holy Kaaba and the sacred black stone. It has other important places in Islam such as Maqam Ibrahim and Zamzam well. The hills of Safa and Marwa are also located within the mosque premises. Since it was built, Al-Haram, or the Forbidden Mosque, has been constantly expanding to accommodate more and more pilgrims. With a total capacity of 4 million worshipers, it ranked as the largest mosque in the world.
2-Jama Masjid in Delhi, India
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| Jamia Masjid Dehli |
Built between 1650 and 1656 by Emperor Shah Jahān, the marble and red sandstone mosque celebrates the richness of Mughal architecture and design. The magnificent structures provide a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of Old Delhi. The mosque's stunning prayer hall can hold up to 25,000 people and the building has four watchtowers and two minarets. Arches with calligraphic inscriptions in Persian mark the entrance to the prayer hall and at the same time act as a distinctive feature of the mosque.
3-Crystal Mosque in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
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| Cryslal Mosque |
Unlike most traditional mosques in the world, the Malaysian Crystal Mosque exhibits a more modern and sleek appearance with its all-steel and glass construction. The mosque's glass domes look as if they are made of pure gold when the prayer rooms and meeting rooms are lit from within. The Crystal Mosque also has several Chinese-inspired details in its architecture and design.
4-Masjid Wazir Khan in Lahore, Pakistan
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| Masjid Wazir khan |
Another masterpiece commissioned by Shah Jahān, the Wazir Khan Mosque represents a royal statement in the center of the walled city of Lahore. Intricate frescoes and detailed tiles cover almost every inch of the mosque's walls from the four remarkable minarets found in the courtyard to the entrance to the prayer hall. The Calligrapher's Bazaar features famous passages from Islamic works with floral and geometric designs, all painted by renowned Khattatis.
5-Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque in Famagusta, Cyprus
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| Lala Mustfa Pasha Mosque |
Originally named the Latin Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque represents some of the more remarkable Frankish architecture in the Middle East. The structure is believed to have been designed by Frenchman Jean Langlois in the late 13th and 14th centuries. Over the centuries it served as a holy place in the heart of Famagusta for a number of regions and denominations until it finally became a mosque in 1571.
6-Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey
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| Sultan Ahmed Mosque |
Considered one of the last classical Ottoman structures, the Sultan Ahmet Mosque earned its nickname the Blue Mosque for its blue Iznik tiles that adorn the interior walls. Sultan Ahmet I commissioned the construction of the mosque in 1609 as a way to mark his legacy as ruler. However, the young leader was only able to enjoy the masterpiece of Islamic architecture shortly before his untimely death in 1617, the same year the mosque was completed.
7-Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco
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| Hassan 11 Mosque |
Hand-carved stone, intricate mosaic tiling and gilded ceilings showcase the excellence of Moroccan craftsmanship in the Hassan II Mosque. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the 700-foot-tall minaret – the second largest in the world – marks the entrance for worshipers and visitors to the Casablanca landmark, which includes a madrasa, hammams, a comprehensive museum and an excellent library.
8-Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz, Iran
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| Nasir ul malik Mosque |
Located in one of Iran's oldest cities, the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque boasts a renowned reputation for its vibrant tones and unlikely architectural features. The place of worship has earned the nickname "The Pink Mosque" for the intricate pink tiles adorning the ceiling and arabesques. In the early hours of the morning, the sun's rays stream through its distinctive stained-glass windows and decorate the Persian carpeted floor with exuberant colors.
9-Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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| Sheikh Zaid grand mosque |
Splendor explodes from Abu Dhabi thanks in part to the city's cultural and religious masterpiece, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. With 82 white marble domes supporting 1,096 outer columns, 96 semi-precious stone-studded inner columns, seven Swarovski crystal chandeliers gilded with 24-karat gold, and the world's largest carpet in the main prayer hall, the extravagant holy site captures beauty and innovation. modern islamic design.The elaborate mother-of-pearl floral designs – perhaps the mosque's most memorable detail – dressing the walls and floors were created by British artist and illustrator Kevin Dean.
10-Shah Mosque in Isfahan, Iran
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| Shah Mosque |
The acclaimed Shah Mosque stands as a landmark of decorative Persian architecture and art in the center of Isfahan's Naqsh-e Jahan Square. The mosque was built in the early 17th century and has Haft rangi or seven-color style mosaic tiles, where images in shades of black, white, ultramarine, turquoise, red, yellow and fawn are painted on the rectangular tiles.
11-Xi'an Great Mosque in Xi'an, China
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| Xian Great Mosque |
Combining traditional Chinese architecture and Islamic practicality, the Great Mosque of Xi'an houses more than 20 buildings in five courtyards, making it the largest mosque in China. Many of the sacred site’s architectural features pay homage to Persian roots while keeping in the style of the infrastructure during the Ming and Qing dynasty. For example, the pagoda within the third courtyard, called “Examining the Heart Tower,” serves as the mosque’s minaret.
12-Putra Mosque in Putrajaya, Malaysia
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| Putra Mosque |
On the banks of the Putrajaya Lake, the Putra Mosque combines Persian design elements with indigenous materials to create a distinctive Malaysian landmark. Constructed of rose-tinted granite, the mosque consists of the main prayer hall, the courtyard, and various function rooms, accommodating upward of 15,000 people.
13-Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, Oman
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| Sultan Qaboos Mosque |
Sultan Qaboos announced his intention to build a palatial sanctuary in 1992, which included holding a competition to decide its design. After several years of construction, the Grand Mosque was finally inaugurated in 2001 as a way to celebrate the Sultan’s 30th year as ruler. The landmark’s showstopping centerpiece is the lavish chandelier over the men’s prayer hall; the lighting fixture consists of 600,000 pieces of crystal trimmed with gold and more than 100 lamps.
14-Tilla Kari Madrasa and Mosque in Samarkand, Uzbekistan
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| tilla kari Madrassa |
At the heart of the ancient city of Samarkand, the Tilla-Kari Madrasa and Mosque shines against its desert background with its breathtaking blue mosaics and gold-leafed cupola. Completed in 1660, the mosque’s luxe color palette symbolized the Silk Road city’s wealth during that era.