10 Fascinating Mosques Around the World

Mosques have been in existence for more than a thousand years as places of worship for Muslims worldwide. To this day, the beauty and rich history of these sacred places continue to inspire visitors. We list 10 amazing mosques from around the world that will leave you in awe.

1. Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque ceiling © Blondinrikard Fröberg/Flickr

Robert Byron once said that the city of Isfahan in Iran is no less beautiful than Athens and Rome, but due to its geographical distance from the Western world, the city is rarely explored. This is the location of the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, built between 1602 and 1619 during the reign of Shah Abbas I. It is a masterpiece of architecture and a multi-functional space that also serves as a royal caravanserai, bathhouse, royal mint, and hospital.

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Ghal-e-Tabarok, Isfahan, Iran

2. Aqsunqur Mosque

Aqsunqur Mosque | © Baldiri/WikiCommons

Dating back to the 14th century, the Aqsunqur Mosque stands majestically in the Egyptian capital, Cairo. Reflecting a clear Ottoman style, complete with signature Iznik tiles in the form of cypress trees and tulips in vases, the mosque also houses the tomb of its founder, Shams El-Din Aqsunqur, and many of his sons.

3. Al-Haram Mosque

Al-Haram Mosque - Mekah, source Arrivalguides.com

Located in the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, the Sacred Mosque is perhaps one of the most prominent mosques in Islam, named by the Quran as the first house built for the worship of mankind towards Allah. Not only is Al-Haram the largest mosque in the world, but it is also considered the holiest. Covering a colossal 400,800 square meters, it can accommodate up to four million people during the annual Islamic pilgrimage and religious obligation for Muslims.

4. Al Aqsa Mosque

Located in the UNESCO-listed Old City of Jerusalem, Al Aqsa Mosque boasts stunning architecture that has been rebuilt several times throughout history due to earthquakes. To this day, the mosque remains the third holiest site in Islam, believed to be where the Prophet Muhammad was transported from the Al Haram Mosque in Mecca during the Night Journey, and then ascended to heaven. Every Friday, the building is filled with thousands of Muslim worshippers praying in the outer Sanctuary.

Al Aqsa Mosque, Yerusalem, Israel

5. Hassan II Mosque

Hassan II Mosque, source Kodas

The Hassan II Mosque is the largest mosque in Morocco and the seventh largest in the world, located on the Atlantic coastline in Casablanca since 1993. Its minaret is the tallest in the world, at an impressive 210 meters, topped by a laser that beams light towards Mecca. Inside, the walls are made of smooth marble, and glass floors allow visitors to experience the view of the seabed in the main hall.

6. Blue Mosque

Blue Mosque, source Carwiz

An essential part of Istanbul's skyline, the Blue Mosque offers six minarets that resemble needles and is a must-visit for anyone exploring this magnificent city. The Blue Mosque was built under the rule of Ottoman ruler Ahmed I between 1609 and 1616 in a series of domes and half-domes. As the cascading domes beautifully descend from the grand central dome, its ceiling shimmers with 20,000 Iznik tiles featuring flowers, trees, and abstract patterns.

7. Ubudiah Mosque

Ubudiah Mosque, source tripadvisor

The Ubudiah Mosque in the royal town of Kuala Kangsar is considered the most beautiful place of worship in Malaysia. It consists of four minarets and golden domes, designed by English architect Arthur Benison Hubback on the orders of Sultan Idris Mushidul Azam Shah. The Sultan promised to build an incredibly beautiful mosque as a gesture of gratitude for recovering from an illness. Today, the Ubudiah Mosque is a source of great pride for all Muslims in Malaysia.

8. Wazir Khan Mosque

Wazir Khan Mosque, source replubika

Located in the northern city of Lahore in Pakistan, on one of the busiest streets in the area, the Wazir Khan Mosque has stood since the 17th century and is one of the city's most important landmarks. The mosque is adorned, both inside and out, with fresco paintings and tilework, mostly featuring cobalt, sky blue, green, orange, yellow, and purple colors. The view from the top overlooking the Kashmir Bazaar is one of the most stunning spots in Lahore.

Wazir Khan Mosque, Shahi Guzargah, Lahore, Pakistan

9. Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral

source britannica.com

Located in southern Spain, the Cordoba Mosque is one of the finest examples of Moorish architecture in the region. While the building originally served as a Catholic church in the 6th century, when Islam spread to Spain in the 8th century, the mosque became one of 300 European mosques built to rival the grandeur of Constantinople and Damascus. Divided into Muslim and Christian sections in 711, the mosque was converted back into a Roman Catholic Church in the 16th century.

10. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

source edition.cnn.com

The capital of the UAE is home to the brilliant white mosque that offers the world's largest hand-woven carpet, crafted by over 12,000 artisans, and a 12-ton crystal chandelier. Located in luxurious Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is a reflection of the religious taste of the royal family. With a total of 82 domes and over 1,000 columns, the grandeur of the mosque is further enhanced by reflective pools surrounding it.

source :theculturetrip.com