As a westerner, I’m more used to the beauty of cathedrals and churches, with pictures of Jesus or Mary everywhere. In Islamic religion, depictions of the prophet Muhammad are forbidden, so the mosques gave a much more abstract orientation to their places of worship. Here are the lists of 10 most beautiful mosques in the world. Have a look!
1. The Blue Mosque, Istanbul
The official name of the Blue Mosque is the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. It’s a historic mosque in Istanbul. It’s called the Blue Mosque because of the blue tiles that decorate the inside walls. The blue tiles are handmade ceramic tiles and there are about 20,000 of them.
2. Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca
Hassan II Mosque is a mosque situated in Casablanca, Morocco. It was established with the death of King Mohammed V in 1961. It’s the tallest religious structure in the world which is almost 700 feet tall.
3. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located in Abu Dhabi that can accommodate more than 40,000 people. In relation to the phase of the moon, the light system changes as there is unique lighting on the outside wall project clouds that get lighter and darker in relation to the phases of the moon.
4. Zahir Mosque, Malaysia
The Zahir mosque was voted among the top ten most beautiful mosques in the world. This mosque was built in 1912 in the city of Alor Setar, capital of the Malaysian state, Kedah.
5. Shah Faisal Mosque, Islamabad
The Shah Faisal Mosque is designed in the shape of a Bedouin’s tent and it is an Islamic house of worship. Located at the most northern part of the city of Islamabad, it is the largest mosque in Pakistan.
6. Qolsarif Mosque, Russia
Qolsarif mosque at the time of its construction was the largest mosque in Russia but was destroyed by Ivan the Terrible during the storming of Kazan in the 16th century. It was then rebuilt in 1996.
7. The London Central Mosque, London
The London Central Mosque which is also known as Regent’s Park Mosque is located in Regent’s Park. It is the spiritual center for Muslims across the UK that can hold over five thousand worshipers.
8. The Great Mosque Of Xi’an, China
The Great Mosque of Xi’an is the oldest and the most renowned mosque of China which was founded in 742. The design and architecture of this mosque is completely Chinese.
9. Puchong Perdana Mosque, Malaysia
The Puchong Perdana Mosque is located in Puchong Perdana in Malasiya. Though there is less information about this mosque but it is said that if you go with a handy camera in this mosque then it looks to be floating on the water, and in the right light you get some terrific reflections.
10. Al Nabawi Mosque, Medina, Saudi Arabia
Al Nabawi Mosque which is also known as the Prophet’s Mosque was built by Islamic Prophet Muhammad in the city of Medina at Saudi Arabia. Prophet who used to live in this mosque was buried under the green dome at the center of the mosque after his death.
