The Middle East is a land full of exotic and mysterious beauties that find their absolute manifestation in the mosques that inhabit it. These Muslim places of worship are not only centers of spirituality, but also architectural wonders. From magnificent domes and minarets to intricate tile and mosaic designs, each mosque is a unique work of art in itself. Below we present a list of the 10 most beautiful mosques in the East, each with its own description highlighting its unique features.
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Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey
The Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul’s most iconic monuments and one of the most famous mosques in the world. It was built in the 17th century during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I and takes its name from the thousands of Iznik tiles that decorate its interior. The mosque has six minarets and a large central dome surrounded by numerous smaller domes. Its architecture is a combination of Byzantine and Islamic styles, making it a unique place.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Sheikh Zayed Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world and the most important place of worship in Abu Dhabi. It was built in the 20th century in honor of the UAE’s first president, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Its design is a blend of Islamic and modern styles, with a large central dome surrounded by four minarets and several inner courtyards. The mosque is decorated with marble and precious stones, making it an impressive site.
Al Haram Mosque, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
The Al Haram Mosque is known as the most important mosque for Muslims and is located in the holy city of Mecca. It is the most important pilgrimage site in the world, where Muslims make the pilgrimage known as the Hajj. The building has a large central dome and several towers surrounding it. Inside is the Kaaba, a black cube that Muslims consider the holiest place in the world.
Badshahi Mosque, Lahore, Pakistan
The Badshahi Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Pakistan and was built in the 17th century during the reign of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Its design is a combination of Mughal, Persian, and Islamic styles, with a large central dome and four minarets. The mosque is decorated with marble and precious stones and has a large inner courtyard where worshippers can gather to pray.
Sultan Qaboos Mosque, Muscat, Oman
The Sultan Qaboos Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Oman and was built in the 20th century in honor of Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said. Its design is a mixture of Islamic and modern styles, with a large central dome and several minarets. The mosque is decorated with marble and has a large inner courtyard where worshippers can gather to pray.
Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca, Morocco
The Hassan II Mosque is an impressive mosque located in the coastal city of Casablanca, Morocco. With its 210-meter-high minaret, it is the tallest mosque in Morocco and one of the largest in the world. The mosque, built in the 20th century, can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers and is one of the country’s main places of worship. Its architecture is a blend of traditional Moroccan and Islamic styles and features a retractable roof that allows natural light and fresh air to enter the interior.
Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Isfahan, Iran
The Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Iran and was built in the 17th century during the reign of Shah Abbas I.
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
The Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is an imposing mosque located in Brunei’s capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. Built in 1958, it is one of the holiest sites in the country and is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. Its architecture is a blend of Malay and Islamic styles, with a golden dome and an artificial lake in the inner courtyard reflecting its majesty.
Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai, UAE
It is an impressive mosque located in the Jumeirah district of Dubai, UAE. Built in the traditional Fatimid style, the mosque has a modern and elegant design that reflects the city’s wealth and prosperity. With a capacity of more than 1,000 worshippers, it is an important place of worship and a popular tourist attraction in Dubai.
Al-Azhar Mosque, Cairo, Egypt
Al-Azhar Mosque is one of the oldest and most prestigious mosques in the Islamic world, located in the heart of the city of Cairo, Egypt. Founded in the 10th century, it is a center of Islamic learning and is known for its prestigious university that teaches theology and Islamic law. The building boasts impressive architecture, with its great dome and minarets rising majestically into the sky, and is a sacred site of great importance to Muslim worshippers around the world.
In conclusion, these are the 10 most beautiful mosques in the East that you should visit at least once in your lifetime. From the stunning Blue Mosque in Istanbul to the majestic Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Oman, each of these places of worship is unique and possesses its own beauty and charm. Whether you are interested in architecture, history or simply want to experience the culture and religion of the East, these mosques are a must-see.
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