A mosque for Muslims is not only a place for prayers and services, but also a meeting place with God. In addition, mosques play an important role in the social and aesthetic life of society. And the magnificent temple buildings only confirm the greatness of the Muslim religion. Surprisingly beautiful and unusual in their architecture and history, these structures have long become a favorite destination for tourists. And it doesn’t matter at all whether you are a Christian or Muslim, Buddhist or Catholic — it is impossible not to admire these structures. The most beautiful mosques in the world are in this article.
Most most
Each person has his own opinion, as a famous proverb says. So with the choice of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world - many ratings from various sources offer a wide variety of options. The first such structures appeared in the seventh century, and since then their number has only grown. There are about 4 million mosques in the world, 140 of them in New York, in Beijing there are 70, in Moscow - 4, and in London - 100 mosques. The world of the most beautiful and amazing mosques rated by the Timeturk portal, for example, was led by the Kul Sharif mosque (Kazan). Although according to Russian publications, she is not the most beautiful in Russia. In second place and third place in the construction of Malaysia is the Crystal Mosque in Kuala Terengganu and Putra Mosque. Of the 50 similar facilities in the rating, seven are in Malaysia, 4 in India, 3 in China and Pakistan.
The most beautiful mosque in the world
In the heart of every believer, the main and most beautiful will be the Al-Haram Mosque in Mecca. This mosque, also called the Forbidden, is the keeper of the main Muslim relic - the Kaaba or the Stone of Forgiveness (a 15-meter cube in the courtyard, inside which there is a black stone). This building during the Hajj accommodates up to 2.5 million people, being the largest mosque in the world. And wherever the believers are, it is to her that they turn, offering prayers. It was built in 638, and its sides are located strictly on the cardinal points.
600 thousand - and the most
That is how much money was spent in the construction of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi. Built in 2007 and named after the first president of the country, Zayd ibn Sultan al-Nahyan, it is one of the temple buildings where everyone is allowed, not just Muslims. At the same time, excursions for both Muslims and representatives of other faiths are free. And there is something to see - this is a prayer hall with 1096 columns of white marble, and panels decorated with precious stones, and flower mosaics. It can be safely called the most beautiful mosque in the world inside. Luxurious chandeliers made of gold and the world's largest handmade rug - this is nowhere else. The huge pools lit at night create mystical beauty and amaze with magnificence.
The most beautiful of the oldest mosques
Built in the VIII century by the ruler Al-Walid for 6 years, the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus is considered the largest and most beautiful mosque of antiquity. In its architecture, Roman influence is noticeable. And not surprising, because nearby is the temple of Roman legionnaires.
The Mosque of the Prophet in Medina, founded by the Prophet Muhammad himself and built in 622, will compete for primacy in this category.
Crystal Mosque - a miracle of miracles
One of the most beautiful mosques in the world is located in Kuala Terengganu in Malaysia. Located on Vaughn Isle, it is made of concrete and steel frame, and covered with frosted and mirror glass. During the day, it burns in the sun, and at night it plays in all colors thanks to sophisticated lighting. This mosque was built in 2008 by order of a Sultan such as Trenganu Mizan Zayn al-Abidin, the highest part of it is located at an altitude of 42 meters.
The most beautiful in Russia
In modern Russia, the most beautiful editions are considered the Heart of Chechnya mosque, built in 2008 in Grozny. It was built by architects from Turkey. Its 63-meter-high minarets, the central domes and the Ottoman-style park are considered by many to be the most beautiful object of Muslim architecture in Europe. This modern mosque with its television and radio studio holds up to 10 thousand believers.
Another magnificent example is the St. Petersburg Cathedral Mosque, the opening of which took place in 1913 and is dedicated to the centenary of the Romanovs. Samarkand and Cairo architecture with ceramics of an unusual blue hue, 48-meter minarets and 39-meter domes, it has long been considered the largest in Europe.
10 most beautiful mosques in the world: the rating of online polls
Most online resources offer the following ten most beautiful buildings in this category:
- Al-Haram Mosque in Mecca (Saudi Arabia).
- Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina (Saudi Arabia). It was the plan of this mosque that was recognized canonical for these temple structures. Built in 1279, laid by the Prophet Muhammad, with a green dome in the middle - this is where the grave of the Prophet is located.
- Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi (UAE).
- The Great Mosque of Hassan II in Casablanca (Morocco). Its minaret (210 meters), which is above the pyramid of Cheops, is crowned by a laser whose beam is directed at Mecca. And through the glass floor you can see the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Mosque of Sultan Omar Ali Sayfuddin (Brunei). Built in 1958, it amazes with the splendor of pure gold domes, a Venetian mosaic of 3.5 pieces, stained-glass windows from Britain and carpets from Belgium and Saudi Arabia.
- Zahir in Kedah (Malaysia). Amazing architecture with five domes, symbols of the five principles of Islam, porches and mezzanines makes it worthy of the top ten.
- Faisal Mosque in Islamabad (Pakistan). Amazing Turkish-style chandeliers and mosaics, ponds and fountains in a building resembling a Bedouin tent.
- Taj ul in Bhopal (India). The “Crown of Mosques, ” as its name is translated, stood for a long time unfinished. In 1985, she finally got a pink facade and three bulbous domes. It holds 175 thousand believers.
- Badshahi in Lahore (Pakistan). The rich openwork ornament and frescoes make this mosque unique.
- Sultan Hussein Mosque (Singapore). British architect Denise Sentry brought stiffness to her design, which did not prevent her from becoming one of the most beautiful mosques in the world.
Interesting Facts
During the Second World War, it was a mosque in Paris that became a haven for Jews and saved hundreds of lives.
In 2001, Pope Paul II visited the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, prayed in it, and even kissed the Qur'an.
The famous Hagia Sophia in Constantinople became the cathedral in 1935, and before that it was the Hagia Sophia mosque.
Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul today is protected from spiders and cobwebs by ostrich eggs, which are hung between the lamps.
Near the Haram Beit Ullah Mosque in Saudi Arabia is a sacred spring. According to legend, when it runs out of water, the Day of Judgment will come on earth and peace will end.
