Hanna Hussein lists some stunning mosques from around the world
SINCE Eid Adha (the second of two Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide each year) is just around the corner, let’s take a look at some of the world’s most awe-inspiring mosques ever built.
Agoda, the world’s fastest growing online travel agent, has listed some of the destinations where travellers will find these amazing places.
1. MASJID AL HARAM, Makkah, SAUDI ARABIA
The site of pilgrimage for haj and umrah, Masjid al-Haram is the holiest mosque in Islam. It can accommodate up to four million people and is considered by Muslims as the most sacred place on earth.
There are over 200 accommodation choices and preferential rates for worshipping travellers visiting Makkah on Agoda.
2. KUL SHARIF MOSQUE, KAZAN, RUSSIA
Located in Kazan, a city in southwest Russia, the stunning Kul Sharif Mosque was rebuilt in 2005 with a distinctly modern character, after being destroyed in 1552.
With three sections to the building (the mosque, a memorial stone and an administrative wing), this is one of the largest mosques in Europe.
3. HASSAN II MOSQUE, CASABLANCA, MOROCCO
Hassan II Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Africa and boasts the world’s tallest minaret at 210m. Adorned with Islamic geometric tilework, the decor throughout is magical to observe.
Not to be missed, the mosque is also one of a few in Morocco that non-Muslims are allowed to enter.
4. PUTRA MOSQUE, PUTRAJAYA, KUALA LUMPUR
Flaunting a rose-tinted granite exterior, the Putra Mosque is one of the most distinctive landmarks in Putrajaya.
Perched along the banks of the scenic Putrajaya Lake, the mosque showcases an artistic blend of Middle Eastern design and local traditional craftsmanship.
Standing tall at 116m, the mosque consists of three main functional areas — the prayer hall, the courtyard and various learning facilities that can accommodate 15,000 worshippers at any one time.
5. SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE, ABU DHABI, UAE
A truly breathtaking architectural feat, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world, with a capacity for 40,000 worshippers at one time.
Featuring spectacular snow-white marble walls, 24-carat gold crystal chandeliers and the largest hand-woven carpet measuring 5,630 sq m, the mosque welcomes more than five million visitors a year.
6. BLUE MOSQUE, ISTANBUL, TURKEY
One of Istanbul’s most popular tourist attractions and built between 1609 and 1616, the Blue Mosque was an architectural vision of Sultan Ahmet I of the Ottoman Empire when he was only 13 years old.
The majestic building features six tall minarets, unlike more traditional mosques with between one and four minarets, and is best visited in a guided private or small group tour to learn the rich history of the mosque.
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