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Home to over 3500 Shia mosques and 7000 Sunni mosques, Iraq holds immense importance as far as Islam is concerned. With centuries of history, Iraq mosques are a symbol of culture, heritage and architectural beauty. No matter which mosque you visit, a peaceful environment will welcome you. From grand domes to intricate tilework and towering pillars, Iraq mosques have a unique aura. Since the number of mosques in the country is large, knowing the best ones becomes essential for the best spiritual getaway.
10 Iraq Mosques To Visit
Iraq Mosques are in abundance. From small mosques to large mosque complexes scattered throughout the country, here are the best ones:
1. 17th Of Ramadan Mosque
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A significant religious site is the 17th of Ramadan Mosque, popular for its elegant architecture and design. Several decades old, the foundation stone was laid during King Ghazi’s rule. One of the famous mosques in Iraq, it gives visitors a treat to the architectural beauty, containing Islamic elements. From the prayer hall to the dome and pillars, the entire mosque features stunning calligraphy. Occupying an area of 5000 square meters, the prayer hall is large enough to accommodate up to 2500 worshippers. Additionally, there’s a garden, room for workers and a chapel for women in the mosque.
Address: Firdos Square, Baghdad, Iraq
Timings: 24*7
2. Al Abbas Mosque
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Among the popular mosques in Iraq is Al-Abbas Mosque, one of the most revered Islamic sites in the country. The mausoleum of Al-Abbas ibn Ali, the mosque attracts thousands of visitors each month. When visiting the mosque, the first thing you notice is the stunning golden dome and pillars, featuring intricate tilework. This makes the mosque a breathtaking sight for pilgrims. The best time to visit the mosque is during Arbaeen and Ashura when people from various places come to pay respect. The beautiful atmosphere, exquisite mirror works and calligraphy makes it more than just a place of worship.
Address: Near the Imam Husayn Mosque, Karbala, Iraq
Timings: All day, except during prayers
3. Al-Askari Mosque
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When looking for famous Iraqi mosques to add to your itinerary, you would come across Al-Askari Mosque in Samarra. Built in 944, Al-Askari Mosque is a revered and holy site for Shia Muslims. As the final resting place of the 10th and 11th Shia Imams, the mosque holds great religious significance. Besides offering prayers, people come here to see the magnificent golden dome, which Sunni extremists destroyed in 2006. However, it was later restored in 2009 along with the minarets and other parts of the mosque. Despite the attacks and bombings, Al-Askari Mosque still stands as an important site.
Address: Samarra, Saladin Governorate, Iraq
Timings: 24*7
4. Great Mosque Of Kufa
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As one of the best mosques in Iraq, the Great Mosque of Kufa was built in the 7th century, the time of Caliph Umar ibn Khattab. Associated with several important Islamic figures, home to Ali ibn Abi Talib, and the 4th Rashidun Caliph, its importance is easily recognised. Additionally, it houses the shrine of Muslim ibn Aqeel, Al-Mukhtar, and Hani ibn Urwa. As far as the architecture of the mosque is concerned, it features towering arches, historical inscriptions, and an expansive courtyard. A site of pilgrimage for Sunni and Shia Muslims, five gates welcome visitors to the mosque.
Address: Kufa, Najaf Governorate, Iraq
Timings: 24*7
5. Mausoleum Of Abdul-Qadir Gilani
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One of the oldest mosques in Iraq is the Mausoleum of Abdul-Qadir Gilani, attracting thousands of Sufi followers every year. Located in Baghdad, the mosque is the resting place of Abdul-Qadir Gilani. Born in Persia, Abdul-Qadir Gilani was a renowned Sufi saint, who moved to Baghdad as an Islamic scholar and spiritual leader. Part of a larger complex, the mausoleum includes a mosque, and a library, where rare works related to Islamic studies lie. Featuring intricate tilework, and calligraphy, a peaceful atmosphere dominates the mosque and worshippers. The mausoleum is a symbol of Sufi spirituality and Islamic learning.
Address: Baghdad, Baghdad Governorate, Iraq
Timings: 6 AM – 10 PM
6. Al-Asifyah Mosque
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Not the biggest mosque in Iraq, but a historic site is Al-Asifyah Mosque. Located near the Tigris River, Al-Asifyah is an architectural beauty, which the Ottomans built during their reign. Featuring traditional Islamic design, elegant pillars, domes, and calligraphy are very much prevalent inside the mosque. Also, the mosque is associated with a palace, old courts, school buildings, and former government buildings. These are a part of a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site list. A place of worship, you notice a small shrine inside the mosque complex. It houses the remains of al-Kulyani, an Islamic scholar.
Address: Near the riverbank of Tigris in Baghdad, Iraq
Timings: 24*7
7. Al-Hannanah Mosque
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Located between Kufa and Najaf, Al-Hannanah Mosque is a significant site for Shia Muslims. A stunning structure, Al-Hannanah Mosque occupies an area of 7400 square metres and features stunning architectural design. As soon as you enter the mosque, you are greeted with intricate carvings on the wall. The prayer hall is huge and offers a sacred atmosphere. Many visitors come here to seek blessings and witness the rich Islamic history bound within the site. A revered site, Al-Hannanah Mosque is an important place for religious gatherings.
Address: Najaf, Najaf Governorate, Iraq
Timings: All day, except during prayers
8. Imam Ali Shrine
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One of the holiest sites in Islam is Imam Ali Shrine. Located in Najaf, the mosque is the resting place of Ali ibn Abi Talib, a cousin of Islamic prophet Muhammed. Besides the religious significance, the beauty of the mosque is what draws people here. From the golden dome to the grand entrance gates, everything adds to the mosque’s appeal. The ideal time to visit is during Eid al-Ghadeer and Arbaeen when millions of pilgrims come to the mosque to attend prayers. The prayer hall is vast and accommodates many attendees. A centre of spirituality, Imam Ali Shrine offers an amazing experience to devotees.
Address: Imam Sadiq St, النجف،, Najaf Governorate, Iraq
Timings: 24*7
9. Al-Kazimiyya Mosque
Photo: Taisir Mahdi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Also known as the Al-Kazimiyya Shrine, Al-Kadhimiya Mosque is the burial place of two important Shia Imams. Famous for stunning architecture, golden domes and towering pillars enhance the mosque’s beauty. As a prominent landmark in the city, the mosque attracts millions of pilgrims every year, especially during the death anniversaries of the two Imams. Boasting a rectangular layout, the mosque complex includes prayer halls, and rooms, making it a centre of Islamic worship. Adjacent to the mosque, two smaller shrines are there, which belong to brothers Sayyid Murtada and Sayyid Radi.
Address: Baghdad, Baghdad Governorate, Iraq
Timings: 24*7
10. Imam Husayn Shrine
Photo: Samer Alhusseini سامر الحسيني / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Imam Husayn Shrine, a sacred site, is the final resting place of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. Famous for its architecture, golden domes, intricate tilework, and vast prayer halls are some of the stunning features of the mosque. Religious occasions like Ashura attract millions of pilgrims to the shrine, making it a significant site for Muslims. Including a mosque, a large courtyard, and areas for religious gatherings, Imam Husayn Shrine displays a deep spiritual reflection. Inspiring devotion, the mosque remains a powerful symbol of faith, and courage for believers.
Address: Karbala, Karbala Governorate, 56001, Iraq
Timings: 24*7
With Iraq mosques located in various corners, you have a closer look into the Islamic world. All these mosques hold years of history, heritage and belief. This makes them a must-visit for both Muslims and non-Muslims, being culturally and architecturally rich. So, if you are ready to explore stunning mosques in Iraq, plan your trip with TripXL now.
Cover Photo: Samer Alhusseini سامر الحسيني / Pexels
