Muslims all around the globe and for over centuries have made use of local artisans and architects to create magnificent mosques. The architecture of these mosques depends on where you are and when the mosque is constructed as there are many different styles that have been perfectly crafted to bring that stunning structure. The world houses huge number of mosques which are not only beautiful from outside but also from the inside. From compelling golden domes to halls with kaleidoscopic colors, the beauty and rich history of these sacred places continue to motivate visitors to come and explore them in large numbers from all over the world.
So, Discover the top-most beautiful mosques from various countries around the world that will leave you in awe of their beauty.
Where: Casablanca, Morocco
Completed in the year 1993, the mosque stands on the front of the Atlantic Ocean like a big lighthouse. It is the largest mosque in the country and the 7th largest mosque in the world. The beauty of the mosque is unbeatable as the walls are crafted by hands by the marble, the roof is retractable and the minaret is 60 beautifully designed and topped by a laser light which remains directed towards the direction of Mecca. The total numbers of people that can gather around here are 1,05,000 and 25,000 inside the mosque hall and another 80,000 on the mosque’s outside grounds.
Where: Medina, Saudia Arabia
Spread over an area of 400,800 square meters, Al Haram is one of the oldest and the largest mosques in the world. Situated in the city of Mecca, the mosque consists of indoor and outdoor praying places where up to 2 million worshipers can be accommodated easily. The mosque surrounds one of the holiest places ‘The Kaaba’ and during the pious Hajj- the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, it sees the largest gatherings in the world. Since its constructions, the building has gone under a lot of renovations including many more minarets, gates and modern heating and cooling systems and that makes it one of a kind.
Situated in the city of Medina in Saudi Arabia, Al Masjid an-Nabawi is the third mosque constructed in the history of Islam and is now one of the largest mosques in the world. The mosque was built by The Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) and remains open regardless of time. This beautiful mosque is sited at the centre of Medina and is enclosed by number of hotels and old markets. It is one of the chief pilgrimage site of Muslims has a special area named Riad ul-Jannah . Pilgrims visit the confines of the area, for there is a belief that prayers uttered here are never rejected. One of most beautiful feature of the mosque is its Green Dome, which makes the whole structure look all the more eye pleasing. This mesmerizing two tiered mosque is sited on a rectangular plan with flat cemented roof and 27 sliding rooms.
Located in the Old City of Jerusalem, Al-Aqsa Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. The entire site of the mosque consists of Dome of the Rock, four minarets and seventeen gates which makes it all the more charming. The huge ‘Dome of the Rock’ in mosque is built with effervescent turquoise mosaic tiles and extremely large golden dome. The mosque hosts daily prayers and large Friday services for thousands of people. The association of the place lies in the faith which says that Muhammad was transported here from the Al Haram Mosque in Mecca during the Night Journey, and then on to heaven.
Constructed between 1609 and 1616 like a series domes and half domes, Blue Mosque, is one of the beautiful mosque in the world. The mosque is significant historically and architecturally as it boasts six needles like minarets and abundance of beauty. This beautiful Masjid brings the perfect mix of two centuries with hand- painted blue tiles, nicely carved and tablets inscribed with the verses from the Quran. It consists of five major domes, six huge minarets and eight secondary domes as a whole. The mosque is a true representation of traditional Islamic architecture and is considered to be the last great mosque of the classical period. Its huge variety of coloured domes and archways makes it look all the more the charming.
Situated on the foothills of Margalla Hills in Islamabad, Faisal Mosque is the beautiful mosque in southern Asia and the fourth largest mosque in the world. This beautiful mosque features contemporary designs with four tall minarets of 260 feet and eight-sided shell shaped sloping roofs, a worship hall which can accommodate around 10,000 worshippers at a time. It is a famous mosque and referred as an influential feature of Islamic architecture in the World.
Located on the Third Hill of Istanbul Turkey, Suleymaniye Mosque is the second largest and one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. The exterior of the mosque is of exceptional grandeur with the use of marble, granite and porphyry. Whereas the interior decoration is subtle with a very controlled use of Iznik Tiles, white marble, ivory and pearl. The design of the mosque features the perfect amalgamation of Islamic and Byzantine architecture which looks simply breathtaking in its structure and eye pleasing from inside.
Constructed 11 meters above sea level and 9.5 meters above the street level in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the biggest mosques in the world. This famous world mosque covers the area of 22, 412m, which can accommodate more than 40,000 people at the same time. As the country’s grand mosque, it is a major worshipping place for Islam followers. The design of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque has been inspired from other famous mosques in the world including Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque and the Alexandrian Mosque. Its magnificent design and architecture contains marble stone, gold, semi precious stones, crystals and ceramics which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world.
Built in Denmark in the year 1967, The Nusrat DJahan Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world, solely financed by the females of the Ahmadiyya Community. It is the very first mosque built in Denmark and promises you the perfect spiritual surrounding to pay homage to the almighty. The architecture of the mosque is mesmerizing and attracts number of people from all over the world.
Situated in the capita of Kedah, The famous Zahir Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Malaysia. Constructed in the year 1912, the mosque has been very famous and voted as one of the top 10 most beautiful mosques in the world. The beauty comes from the design which is inspired by the Azizi Mosque of the Langkat Sultanate in North Sumatra. There is a state’s Quran reading competition which is organized every year within the premises of the mosque. Zahir mosque stands as an elegant example of Malay-Islamic architecture with its beautiful walls and ceilings and attracts large number of travelers from all across the globe. The land of Malaysia offers abundance of beauty and tourist attractions. Go book your international flights this summer with EaseMyTrip.com and have unforgettable travel experience.
Sited in the old city of Damascus, Umayyad Mosque is also one the largest mosque in the world. It houses a mausoleum containing the tomb of Saladin stands in a small garden adjacent to the north wall of the mosque. It is believed that the mosque contains the head of the John the Baptist and will be the one where Jesus will come during the judgment day. The beauty of the mosque is well represented by its largest dome, situated atop the center of the prayer hall and the large courtyard built using marble, glass mosaic and gold. Offering the fascinating inside and out of the structure, the Umayyad mosque is a true delight to explore.
Sited in Spain, The Great Mosque of Cordoba is one of the most beautiful mosques. Known locally as Mezquita-Catedral, the Great Mosque of Cordoba is one of the oldest structures standing from the late 8th century. Unlike other mosque which got torn down, during the time when Christian conquered Cordoba in 1236; this was the only mosque that survived to become the main tourists’ attractions of Spain. The building of the Mosque represents the true architectural splendor with its decorative walls and the use of red and white bricks. In whole of the structure there are no paintings, sculpture or chairs, just the geometrical patterns inscribed out of the pillars creating the serene environment to pray. The most exceptional trait of the building is its arcaded hypostyle hall, with 856 columns of jasper, onyx, marble, and granite.
Built by Ali Neccar in 1396-1399, Ulu Cami is the largest mosque in Bursa and one of the masterpieces of early Ottoman architecture. The enormous structure of the mosque consists of a large rectangular building with twenty domes supported by twelve columns, a beautiful fountain, spacious and dimly lit interior is which plays significant role in making you feel peaceful away from the chaos of life. The mosque represents as one of the flourishing examples of Islamic calligraphy in the world. These beautiful Inscriptions can be seen on the walls, columns and on small and large plates of mosques.
Originally constructed in 16th century, Qolsarif Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Russia and in the Europe. The mosque got damaged during the attack of Kazan and constructed again during 1996. Currently the mosque primarily serves as a museum of Islam and at the same time an ideal place during the major Muslim celebrations. The structure of this beautiful mosque is more like a Disney castle and attracts large number of travelers from all over the world. Representing as a true architectural marvel, the mosque houses a publishing house, one Imam’s office and a library.
Situated in the Islamic Heritage Park in Wan Man Island off Terengganu, Crystal Mosque is a grand mosque attracting thousands of devotees from all over the world. The specialty of the mosque comes from its gorgeous exterior where it is coated with steel, glass and crystal. The sleek and modern look of the mosque makes it look more fascinating and internationally acknowledged. Sitting over Terengganu River, the mosque can accommodate over 1500 worshippers at a time. The mosque also has ‘The RM250 Million theme park along with the replicas of several Islamic monuments across Malaysia and all around the World including India’s Taj Mahal, Jerusalem’s Dome etc.
Designed by Sir Frederick Gibberd in 1978, the London Central Mosque is a popular spiritual place and tourist attraction in London. The structure of the mosque is remarkably well established with the interiors having a chandelier, a vast carpet, broken shapes in the Islamic tradition, a small bookshop, a halal café on its premises and a most prominent golden dome. Situated near the Regent’s Park in London, the mosque can accommodate over 5, 000 worshippers at single time along with a separate balcony for female worshippers.
Alluring people from all across the globe with its stunning infrastructure, the Great Mosque of Xi'an is one of the largest mosque in the world and a popular tourist place in China. Covering the area of 12,000 square meters, the design of the mosque contains a walled complex of five courtyards, with the prayer hall situated in the fourth. Surrounded with lush green gardens and the ancient interiors, it is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. Moreover a perfect place to have some spiritual time away from the hustle.
Treat your eyes with nothing but a fascinating structure floating on water. Constructed in the year 1997, Puchong Perdana is a beautiful mosque of Malaysia. The mosque is pink styled and built with rose-tinted granite. It contains three main functional areas- the prayer hall, the courtyard and the function rooms. It is one of the largest mosques in the world and can accommodate around 15,000 worshippers at one time.