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Famous mosques worldwide testify to the rich tapestry of Islamic faith and culture. These architectural marvels serve as places of worship and symbols of unity, respect and diversity. While exploring these beautiful mosques in the world, gain insight into the universal values. These include peace, community, and spiritual devotion that transcend borders and connect humanity. From the Middle Eastern mosques to the South Asian structures, each mosque tells a unique story of its region’s history and artistic traditions.
Top 10 Famous Mosques
Here are the 10 famous mosques, reflecting the beauty and significance of iconic mosques that have shaped Islamic culture and architecture worldwide:
1. Al – Haram Mosque, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Photo: Adli Wahid / Wikimedia Commons
Al-Haram Mosque, also known as Masjid al-Haram, is the largest mosque in the world and the holiest site in Islam. Located in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, it surrounds the Kaaba, which Muslims face during their prayers. The mosque has a staggering capacity exceeding 1.7 million worshippers, accommodating millions during the Hajj pilgrimage each year. Its vast complex features several important religious landmarks, including the Black Stone and Zamzam Well. The mosque’s architectural grandeur includes multiple domes and minarets, with its design evolving through numerous expansions.
Location: Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Architectural Significance: A blend of traditional Islamic architecture with modern expansions
2. Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque), Turkey
Photo: Jorge Láscar / Wikimedia Commons
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque, is an iconic structure in Istanbul, Turkey. This mosque showcases the grandeur of Ottoman architecture. Its interior walls are adorned with over 20,000 handmade blue tiles. The mosque features six minarets and a cascading dome system, accommodating up to 10,000 worshippers. Visitors are welcome outside prayer times. This allows them to experience the mosque’s serene atmosphere and admire its intricate calligraphy and stained glass windows.
Location: Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey
Architectural Significance: Prime example of classical Ottoman architecture, blending Islamic and Byzantine elements
3. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, UAE
Photo: OasisTravelCruise / Wikimedia Commons
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is a masterpiece of contemporary Islamic architecture. Completed in 2007, it symbolises the diversity of the Islamic world through its design elements. The mosque can accommodate over 40,000 worshippers and features 82 domes, over 1,000 columns, and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet. Its white marble exterior reflects the moon’s phases, creating a stunning visual effect. The mosque’s grandeur is enhanced by its crystal chandeliers and intricate floral inlays made from semi-precious stones.
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Architectural Significance: Combines various Islamic architectural styles with modern design techniques
4. Hassan II Mosque, Morocco
Photo: Jaro Varga / Wikimedia Commons
The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is a magnificent example of modern Islamic architecture. Completed in 1993, it boasts the world’s tallest minaret at 210 meters. The mosque can accommodate 25,000 worshippers and an additional 80,000 in its courtyard. Its unique feature is a glass floor that allows worshippers to see the Atlantic Ocean beneath. The mosque’s intricate mosaics, marble columns, and wood carvings showcase the finest Moroccan craftsmanship.
Location: Casablanca, Morocco
Architectural Significance: Blends traditional Moroccan design with modern engineering techniques
5. Faisal Mosque, Pakistan
Photo: Fawad4real / Wikimedia Commons
Faisal Mosque in Islamabad is a striking example of contemporary Islamic architecture. Its design resembles a Bedouin tent, breaking away from traditional mosque architecture. The mosque can accommodate around 100,000 worshippers at one time. Its minimalist aesthetic features clean lines and a vast prayer hall. This creates a sense of serenity and spiritual connection. The mosque is also a significant cultural landmark in Pakistan.
Location: Islamabad, Pakistan
Architectural Significance: Unique modern design that deviates from conventional mosque architecture
6. Nasir Al – Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque), Iran
Photo: MohammadReza Domiri Ganji / Wikimedia Commons
The Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz is renowned for its stunning kaleidoscope of colors. Built between 1876 and 1888, it features intricate tile work and stained glass windows. It creates a mesmerising play of light and color during sunrise. The mosque can hold around 1,000 worshippers comfortably within its prayer hall. Its vibrant design and unique architectural features make it one of Iran’s most exquisite mosques. This attracts visitors from around the world for its beauty and spiritual ambiance.
Location: Shiraz, Iran
Architectural Significance: Unique blend of traditional Persian architecture with vibrant color elements
7. Great Mosque Of Djenné, Mali
Photo: Gilles MAIRET / Wikimedia Commons
The Great Mosque of Djenné is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for being one of the largest mud-built structures in the world. Constructed in the 13th century and rebuilt in 1907, this mosque exemplifies Sudano-Sahelian architecture. This is with its adobe walls adorned by wooden beams that serve both structural support and decoration. It remains a significant symbol of Islamic culture and heritage in Mali.
Location: Djenné، Mali
Architectural Significance: A prime example showcasing ancient construction techniques still practiced today
8. Al – Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem
Photo: Godot13 / Wikimedia Commons
Al-Aqsa Mosque holds immense significance as one of Islam’s holiest sites, located in Jerusalem. Built in the 8th century with subsequent renovations, it is an essential place for worship, featuring stunning mosaics alongside an expansive courtyard that accommodates tens of thousands of people during major religious gatherings like Ramadan prayers. This sacred site is not only a spiritual focal point for Muslims but also a symbol of cultural identity and resilience in the region.
Location: Old City، Jerusalem
Architectural Significance: Reflects centuries’ worth of Islamic art influenced by various dynasties throughout history
9. Jama Masjid, India
Jama Masjid is one of India’s largest mosques located in Delhi, commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It was completed in the mid-seventeenth century, showcasing Mughal architectural grandeur with red sandstone facades and white marble domes. It accommodates over twenty-five thousand worshippers at once. The mosque features three grand gates, four towers, two forty-meter-high minarets constructed using strips of red sandstone.
Location: Old Delhi, India
Architectural Significance: Exemplifies Mughal architectural brilliance, combining functionality and aesthetics across different periods
10. Putra Mosque, Malaysia
Photo: Azuladnan / Wikimedia Commons
Putra Mosque is a prominent landmark in Putrajaya, Malaysia’s administrative capital. It completed nineteen ninety-nine known distinctive pink domes made of rose-tinted granite. This reflects Malaysia’s cultural identity beautifully while serving center worship community activities. It accommodates fifteen thousand worshippers featuring a sixteen-meter-high minaret. The mosque is situated near Putrajaya Lake, enhancing its picturesque setting and attracting visitors from around the world.
Location: Putrajaya، Malaysia
Architectural Significance: Combines traditional Islamic designs with modern architectural techniques
These famous mosques serve as beacons of Islamic faith culture and architectural innovation. They showcase diversity and evolution and reflect deep-rooted beliefs and values shared by communities globally. Each mosque tells a story of faith-intertwined artistry, inviting travelers to transformative journeys and spirituality. To explore these magnificent places, plan with TripXL to immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of Islamic heritage across the globe!
Cover Photo: Christian Perez / Wikimedia Commons
