|
Mosques
hold a special significance to Muslims, which goes beyond the normal
essence of societies in general. They are undoubtedly the center of a
Muslim’s life. More than just being places of prayer, mosques are places
of coming together, learning and growing.
Most of us are familiar with the biggest and grandest mosques in the
world, from the Masjid-e-Nabvi to the Grand Mosque and even Badshahi
Masjid here in Pakistan. In fact we ourselves have covered them before.
But there are some amazing, relatively unknown mosques that most of us
don’t know about. Here are a few such mosques, the marvel of Islamic
architecture never ceases to amaze.
|
|
Cologne Central Mosque, Germany
The Cologne Central Mosque is currently under construction. This
futuristic design blends in well with the rest of Cologne’s modern
infrastructure. The mosque has a modern Ottoman look, with a glass
ceiling and walls. |
|
 |
|
Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, North Cyprus
The Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque was originally the Saint Nicolas
Cathedral. It was converted during the Ottoman’s reign in 1571. Although
a mosque, it still retains elements of its Gothic architectural
beginnings which have been preserved till now. |
|
|
|
Emin Mosque, China
1779, Qing Dynasty, the mosque was built by King Sulieman. Showing off
exquisite mud based architecture, the mosque has the tallest minaret in
all of China at 44m. Emin mosque has been closed to the public as well
as prayers since 1992 when it was placed under protection by the Chinese
government. |
|
|
|
Zagreb Mosque, Croatia
The Zagreb Mosque in Croatia is the largest of the Country. Built in
1987, the wonderful structure was the brainchild of one Dr. Ahmed
Smajlovic. |
|
 |
|
Great Mosque of Touba, Senegal
Built by Sheikh Ahmadu Bàmba Mbàkke, the founder of the Sufi Mouride in
1926, the mosque is central to the Islamic City of Touba. It was built
during the French colonization of Senegal and was a stand-out
achievement for Muslims in that era.
|
|
 |
|
Great Mosque of Xian, China
The great mosque was built in 742 AD during the Tang Dynasty. What makes
the mosque so unique is that although it is Muslim architecture, the
mosque looks like a Chinese Temple. The 12,000 sqm large mosque also
houses an ancient hand-written Quran from the 1700s.
|
|
 |
|
Banya Bashi Mosque, Bulgaria
The mosque was built in 1576 during the rule of the Ottomans. The mosque
gets its name Banya Bashi which literally means many baths from the fact
that it was built over natural thermal spas. One can see steam rising
from vents near the mosque.
|
|
 |
|
Koutubia Mosque, Morocco
Dating as far back as 1150, the mosque can hold upto 25,000 people in
its halls. The tall minaret tower is capped with copper orbs, which were
originally gold but later replaced. The mosque was built by Emir
Yacoub-el-Mansoor and is surrounded by markets selling books and ancient
scripts. |
|
 |
|
Islamic Center and Mosque of Rijecka, Croatia
It is one of the most beautiful mosques in all of Europe. Officially
opened in 2013, the mosque’s dome is shaped in five separate sections.
The rich architectural influences of the Ottomans is quite visible. It’s
like an ulta-modern version of an ancient design.
|
|
 |