St. Petersburg Cathedral Mosque

The official opening of the mosque was timed to coincide with the 300th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty in 1913.

The mosque is made in the stylized forms of the Samarkand and Cairo architectural schools. The walls of the mosque are lined with gray granite. The portal, dome and minarets are covered with sky-blue ceramics. The facade is decorated with inscriptions from the Koran above the main entrance to the mosque.

Cathedral Mosque of Maykop

The mosque was built in 2000 and was erected in just 18 months. The cathedral mosque has no analogues either in Adygea itself or in the Caucasus.

The mosque was erected at the expense of the Crown Prince and Sheikh of the United Arab Emirates Khalid bin Saqr al-Qasimi. This building is the hallmark of Adygea and the main Muslim religious center of the region.

Unlike most mosques, the Maykop mosque is open to tourists.

Mosque "Heart of Chechnya" in Grozny

The mosque was built in 2008 and named after Akhmat-Hadzhi Kadyrov.

The mosque was built in the classical Ottoman style. The central hall is covered with a huge dome with a diameter of 16 meters and a height of 32 meters. The height of the four minarets is 63 meters. The external and internal walls of the mosque are decorated with marble - travertine, and the interior of the temple is richly decorated with white marble, which is mined on an island in the Sea of ​​​​Marmara. There are 36 chandeliers installed in the mosque. The creation of this collection took several tons of bronze, 2.5 kg of gold of the highest standard and more than 1 million parts.

The area of ​​the mosque is 5000 square meters and its capacity is more than 10 thousand people. The same number of believers can pray in the summer gallery and square adjacent to the main building. The total area of ​​the Islamic center is 14 hectares.

White Mosque in Bulgar

Bulgar - the ancient capital of Volga Bulgaria, a settlement near modern city Bulgarians in Tatarstan.

The mosque was opened in 2012, its construction took six months. The white mosque in Bulgar is called the Tatarstan Taj Mahal; like it, it is reflected in the water surface of an artificial reservoir.

On the prayer square there is an arcade consisting of 88 columns. In the center of the arcade there is small fountain. The two tallest minarets of the white mosque reach a height of 46.6 meters. The head dome is 10 meters in diameter and 17 meters high. The mosque houses the world's largest Koran. Holy book weighs 800 kilograms. 16 people were involved in loading it.

Bulgar is included in the list of objects that are World Heritage UNESCO.

Lala-Tulpan in Ufa

The mosque was founded in 1989. Initially, construction was carried out with donations from believers; later the government of Bashkiria joined in the financing. The opening of the mosque took place on April 7, 1998 in.

You can read even more about the Lyalya-Tulpan Cathedral Mosque in one of our previous articles.

Juma mosque in Derbent

Derbent Juma Mosque is the oldest mosque in Russia and the CIS, built in 733. The Juma Mosque is included in the UNESCO cultural heritage register.
The Juma Mosque was the largest building in the city. Its dimensions in those days were considered impressive: 68 meters from west to east, and 28 from south to north. The height of the dome is 17 meters.

The interior space consists of three naves. The width of the middle nave is 6.3 meters, the side ones are 4 meters each, they are separated by square pillars with profiled capitals. There are pointed arches between the pillars. On the territory of the mosque there are three plane trees, 600, 800 and 950 years old.

The Juma Mosque complex includes a madrasah building, which consists of a number of small, identical-sized rooms for students. Before the entrance to each such room there are loggias covered with a pointed vault, forming the facade of the madrasah in the form of an arcade made of cut stone.

The Cathedral Mosque in Moscow is the tallest mosque in Russia

In September 2015, after 10 years of restoration, the Moscow Mosque opened. The Cathedral Mosque is the largest in area - 18.9 thousand square meters. The height of the dome is 46 meters, and the minarets rise above the city by 72 meters. Capacity - 10,000 people.

To fit the mosque into the ensemble of temples, its domes were made of gold, and decorative elements, paintings and design were filled with the flavor of Russian Islam. For example, fine Arabic script made of gold leaf is combined with a traditional Tatar pattern. The main prayer hall is decorated with crystal chandeliers and Turkish carpets on the floor.

The Cathedral Mosque is a whole complex of six floors. Inside there are many halls, a library, a museum and an exhibition gallery. The building is equipped with elevators, air conditioning and television cameras for live broadcasts.

A mosque is a sacred place for all Muslims, a place for prayer and spiritual purification. As Islam spreads, beautiful mosques are appearing all over the world. They are amazing not only externally, but also their interior amazes with its beauty. We offer an overview of the most fantastic mosques in the world.

Mosque al-Haram (Sacred Mosque) is located in Mecca. This is the largest mosque in the world, surrounding one of the greatest shrines in Islam - the Kaaba. The building area is 400,800 square meters, including indoor and outdoor prayer areas. It is designed to accommodate 4 million pilgrims during the Hajj. The modern mosque, after many reconstructions, is a pentagonal closed building with sides of different lengths and a flat roof. Three pairs of minarets rise in the three corners of the structure, marking the entrances to the mosque. The fourth and fifth corners are connected covered gallery. In total, the mosque has 9 minarets, the height of which reaches 95 m. Modern innovations have not been forgotten - there are 7 escalators and air conditioners.

Masjid an-Nabawi is the second shrine in Islam, which is also called the prophet’s mosque, since it was built by the prophet Muhammad. In terms of size, it also ranks second after the al-Haram mosque. In the center of the mosque is the Green Dome, where the tomb of the prophet is located. The first dome over the grave was built in 1279, after which it was reconstructed many times, and in 1837 it was painted in green, so he remains to this day. The layout of this particular mosque was adopted as the canon for other mosques around the world. The construction contained the main elements of the composition of a columned mosque: an open rectangular courtyard and a prototype of the future columned hall, oriented initially towards Jerusalem, and later towards Mecca. The main prayer hall occupies the entire first floor. The mosque can accommodate up to 500 thousand believers. The mosque has 10 minarets, each 105 m high.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a true masterpiece of architectural art and is one of the largest mosques in the world. Its construction cost approximately $545 million and took 12 years, during which 3,500 workers from 38 companies around the world worked on the implementation of the grandiose project. It can accommodate up to 41,000 worshipers. The mosque is decorated with 82 domes, a thousand columns, chandeliers gilded with gold leaf, and the world's largest hand-woven carpet. The main prayer hall is illuminated by one of the most grandiose chandeliers in the world (10 meters in diameter, 15 meters in height, weighing 12 tons). The sparkling pools surrounding the mosque highlight its beauty. During the day the building glitters in the sun white and gold, and at night it is flooded with artificial light.

4. Great Mosque of Hassan II, Casablanca (Morocco)

The Great Mosque of Hassan II, built in 1993, is located in the Moroccan city of Casablanca. It is the largest mosque in the country and the seventh largest mosque in the world. Its minaret is the tallest in the world - 210 meters, higher than the Cheops pyramid. At the top of the minaret there is a laser, the light from which is directed towards Mecca. The author of the project is the French architect Michel Pinseau. According to rough estimates, 500-800 million dollars were spent on construction. The building stands on a ledge washed by the Atlantic Ocean, through the glass floor you can see the seabed. The mosque is designed for a maximum of 105 thousand parishioners praying together: 25 thousand inside and 80 thousand outside.

The Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque is a royal mosque located in the capital of the Sultanate of Brunei. It is considered the most beautiful mosque in the Pacific region, attracting thousands of tourists. The building was built in 1958 in an artificial lagoon on the banks of the Brunei River, it is a striking example of modern Islamic architecture, combining Mughal and Italian styles. It is impossible to take your eyes off the 44-meter-high marble minarets and golden domes, huge courtyards and luxurious gardens with fountains. The mosque is surrounded by huge gardens, symbolizing paradise. The interior is no less luxurious than the exterior: the floors and walls are made of the best Italian marble, stained glass windows and chandeliers were brought from Britain, luxurious carpets were woven in Saudi Arabia and Belgium, a fantastic mosaic of 3.5 million pieces was brought from Venice.

The Zahir Mosque is located in the capital of the Malaysian state of Kedah. This is one of the oldest and largest mosques in the country. Built back in 1912, it covers an area of ​​approximately 11,500 square meters. The mosque has 5 large domes, symbolizing the five basic principles of Islam. The area of ​​its central hall is 350 square meters, it is surrounded by verandas with mezzanines.

The Faisal Mosque in Islamabad is the largest mosque in Southeast and South Asia and the fourth largest mosque in the world. The author of the project is Turkish architect Vidat Dalokay, who instead of traditional domes created a structure reminiscent of a Bedouin tent. He won the competition, which received 43 proposals from 17 countries. Minarets 90 meters high were built on four sides of the main hall. At the entrance to the mosque there is a small courtyard with a small round pond and fountains. The stairs on the left side lead to the main courtyard and to another large pond with fountains. Inside, the walls are covered in white marble and decorated with mosaics, calligraphy by Pakistani artist Sadeqain and amazing Turkish-style chandeliers. The prayer hall can accommodate 10,000 believers. There is an additional hall for 24,000, and another 40,000 can be accommodated in the courtyard.

The Taj Mosque, whose name translates as “The Crown of Mosques,” is located in the city of Bhopal in central India. This is one of the largest mosques in Asia. Construction began during the reign of the Mughal Khan Bahadur Shah Zafar, then continued under his daughter. But due to a lack of funds, construction resumed only in 1971 and was completed in 1985. The eastern gate was reconstructed using ancient motifs from 1,250 Syrian mosques with the help of the Kuwaiti emir, who so perpetuated the memory of his wife. Inside the Taj Mosque there is a large courtyard with a water tank in the center.

The Badshahi Mosque in the Pakistani city of Lahore was built in 1673. It is the second largest mosque in the country and south Asia and the fifth largest mosque in the world. It can accommodate 55,000 worshipers in the main hall and 95,000 in the courtyard. The main hall is divided into seven sections by ornamented arches supported by powerful columns, three of which carry double domes decorated on the outside with white marble. The interior of the main prayer hall is richly decorated with openwork patterns, frescoes and marble. Externally, the mosque is decorated with carved stone and marble designs on red sandstone.

The Sultan Hussein Mosque, built back in 1928, is still considered the main religious building in Singapore. Since the completion of construction, it has remained virtually unchanged, only in 1960 and 1993 some reconstructions were carried out. The author of the project is British architect Denis Santry. The area of ​​the two-story mosque is 4100 square meters, it is designed for 5000 believers.
Religious buildings of any religion, symbolizing the faith and hope of people, always look majestic and luxurious. For their construction the most best places, even if so distant. To come to God, it turns out that you need to exert not only mental, but also physical strength.

For Muslims, a mosque is not only a place for prayer and worship, it is also a meeting place with God. In addition, mosques play an important role in the social and aesthetic life of a society. And the luxurious temple buildings only confirm the greatness of the Muslim religion. Amazingly beautiful and extraordinary in their architecture and history, these buildings have long become a favorite tourist attraction. And it doesn’t matter at all whether you are a Christian or a Muslim, a Buddhist or a Catholic - it is impossible not to admire these buildings. The most beautiful mosques in the world are in this article.

The very best

Every person has his own opinion, as the famous proverb says. So it is with the choice of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world - many ratings from various sources offer a variety of options. The first such structures appeared in the seventh century, and since then their number has only been growing. There are about 4 million mosques in the world, 140 of them are in New York, there are 70 in Beijing, 4 in Moscow, and 100 mosques in London. The world of the most beautiful and amazing mosques according to the rating of the Timeturk portal, for example, was topped by the mosque (Kazan). Although, according to Russian publications, she is not the most beautiful in Russia. In second place and third place are the buildings of Malaysia - the Crystal Mosque in Kuala Terengganu and the Putra Mosque. Of the 50 similar structures in the rating, seven are located in Malaysia, 4 in India, 3 each in China and Pakistan.

The most beautiful mosque in the world

In the heart of every believer, the main and most beautiful will be the Al-Haram Mosque in Mecca. This, otherwise called the Forbidden Mosque, is the custodian of the main Muslim relic - the Kaaba or the Stone of Forgiveness (a 15-meter cube in the courtyard, inside of which there is a black stone). This structure can accommodate up to 2.5 million people during the Hajj, and is also the largest mosque in the world. And wherever believers are, it is to her that they turn, offering prayers. It was built in 638, and its sides are located strictly according to the cardinal points.

600 thousand - and the very best

This is exactly how much money was spent on the construction of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi. Built in 2007 and named after the country's first president, Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan, it is one of the temple buildings where everyone is allowed, not just Muslims. Moreover, excursions are free for both Muslims and representatives of other faiths. And there is something to see - this is a prayer hall with 1096 columns of white marble, and panels decorated with precious stones, and flower mosaic. It can confidently be called the most beautiful mosque in the world inside. Luxurious gold chandeliers and the world's largest handmade carpet - you won't find anything like this anywhere else. Huge pools, illuminated at night, create mystical beauty and amaze with their splendor.

The most beautiful of the oldest mosques

Built in the 8th century by ruler Al-Walid in 6 years, the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus is considered the largest and most beautiful mosque of antiquity. Its architecture has a noticeable Roman influence. And it’s not surprising, because nearby is the temple of Roman legionnaires.

The Prophet's Mosque in Medina, founded by the Prophet Muhammad himself and built in 622, also competes for primacy in this category.

Crystal Mosque - a miracle of miracles

One of the most beautiful mosques in the world is located in Kuala Terengganu in Malaysia. Located on Won Man Island, it is made of concrete and steel frame, and covered with frosted and mirrored glass. During the day it glows in the rays of the sun, and at night it plays with all colors thanks to complex lighting. This mosque was built in 2008 by order of the Sultan Trengganu Mizan Zain al-Abidin, its highest part is at an altitude of 42 meters.

The most beautiful in Russia

IN modern Russia Most publications consider the “Heart of Chechnya” mosque, built in 2008 in Grozny, to be the most beautiful. It was built by architects from Turkey. Its 63-meter-high minarets, central domes and Ottoman-style park are considered by many to be the most beautiful piece of Muslim architecture in Europe. This modern mosque with its own television and radio studio can accommodate up to 10 thousand believers.

Another magnificent example is the St. Petersburg one, which opened in 1913 and coincided with the tercentenary of the Romanov dynasty. Samarkand and Cairo architecture with ceramics of an unusual blue hue, 48-meter minarets and 39-meter domes, it has long been considered the largest in Europe.

10 most beautiful mosques in the world: ranking of online surveys

Most online resources offer the following ten most beautiful buildings in this category:

During World War II, it was the mosque in Paris that became a refuge for Jews and saved hundreds of lives.

In 2001, Pope Paul II visited the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, prayed there and even kissed the Koran.

The famous Hagia Sophia in Constantinople became a cathedral in 1935, and before that it was the Hagia Sophia mosque.

And today, ostrich eggs, which are hung between the lamps, protect from spiders and cobwebs.

There is a sacred spring near the Haram Beit Ullah mosque in Saudi Arabia. According to legend, when it runs out of water, Judgment Day will come on earth and the world will end.

Let's sum it up

For every believer, their temple will always remain the most beautiful and dear. Having looked at the wonders of architecture and decoration of Islamic temple buildings, many of which are rightfully included in the UNESCO list of architectural heritage, I would like to believe that the differences architectural styles will not prevent people of different beliefs from maintaining tolerance, tolerance and acceptance of beliefs different from their own. The path to God is different for everyone and requires not only mental effort, but also, as we see, physical and material investments. The greatness of religious buildings of different faiths in modern world must unite society in the name of maintaining peace and unity.

Mosques- these are not only architectural monuments of amazing beauty left as a legacy by their ancestors, they play an important religious, social and cultural role in Muslim world.

12 millionov.com invites you to get acquainted with the ten largest mosques in the world, which amaze the imagination with their size and grandeur.

1. Mosque al-Haram

• المسجد الحرام

In first place among the largest mosques in the world is al-Haram, otherwise called the Forbidden Mosque. It is located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Stored here main value Muslim world - Kaaba. According to legend, the first builders of this relic were heavenly angels. The mosque was first mentioned in 638. Regarding modern temple, then it has been known since 1570.

Over the long centuries of its existence, the main mosque of the followers of Islam was repeatedly rebuilt to accommodate as many visitors as possible. Now the Forbidden Mosque can accommodate about 1 million people. If we take into account the areas adjacent to the temple, the number of visitors to the mosque can reach more than 2 million people. Square religious complex was 357 thousand sq. meters, but you need to take into account that the mosque is constantly expanding, and perhaps by the time you read this article, it will already be 400 thousand square meters. meters, or even more.

2. Masjid an-Nabawi or the Prophet's Mosque

• المسجد النبوي

The second largest and most important mosque in the world for believers is located in Medina. This is the Prophet's Mosque, or Masjid al-Nabawi. It is generally accepted that the construction of the temple began in 622, and the Prophet Muhammad himself took part in it. He is buried under the Green Dome. In normal times, the Prophet's Mosque accommodates about 600 thousand people. During the pilgrimage, it can accommodate up to 1 million believers. The area of ​​the mosque occupies about 400 thousand square meters. meters.

3. Mausoleum of Mazar Imam Reza

• حرم علی بن موسی الرضا

Among the 10 largest mosques in the world is also the architectural and religious complex of the Imam Reza Mausoleum. It is located in Iran, in the city of Mashhad. Includes the tomb of the Imam, as well as other tombs of revered religious figures of Islam, a mosque, a cemetery, a library and a museum. The mausoleum is a major tourist attraction in Iran, attracting up to 20 million visitors annually.

When Imam Reza, who was very popular among the people, was killed in 818, he was buried next to the tomb of the great Harun al-Rashid. Soon the city of Mashhad grew up around the tomb. Construction of the complex began in the 13th century, during the reign of the Timurid dynasty. The first mosque at the burial site of the imam was built in the 11th century, but it was soon destroyed. The area of ​​the complex is about 331 thousand square meters. meters. The mausoleum can accommodate 100 thousand people.

4. Independence Mosque or Istiqlal

• مسجد الاستقلال

The largest Independence Mosque or Istiqlal Mosque is located in Indonesia in the city of Jakarta. When the country gained independence in 1949, it was decided to immortalize this great event by building the largest religious building in Southeast Asia. Construction of the mosque began in 1961. The temple can accommodate about 120 thousand visitors at a time.

5. Hassan II Mosque

• مسجد الحسن الثاني

The Hassan II Mosque is located in the city of Casablanca. It amazes not only with its enormous size, but also with its beauty - a magnificent view of the Atlantic Ocean opens right from the huge glass hall of the temple. The mosque can accommodate 105 thousand people. The area of ​​the temple is about 9 hectares. The height of the minaret (this is the only minaret) is 210 meters. This mosque was also built in our time, the beginning was 1986, the end was 1989. The project was drawn up by a French architect.

• Interesting fact: All 800 million dollars spent on the construction of the mosque are voluntary donations.

6. Faisal Mosque

• مسجد شاه فيصل

The Faisal Mosque, located in Islamabad, is among the ten largest mosques in the world. Its construction was financed by the government of Saudi Arabia. The mosque building is located in a picturesque area. It is noteworthy that its design is very different from the traditional architecture of Muslim temples. Most of all, the shape of the building resembles the tent of a Bedouin nomad.

The project cost more than 130 million Saudi riyals (approximately $120 million in today's dollars). King Faisal bin Abdulaziz al-Saud was very instrumental in financing the construction, and after his assassination in 1975, both the mosque and the road leading to it were named after him. The mosque was completed in 1986.

The design of the mosque caused much dissatisfaction during its construction, but after construction was completed, critics admitted that they were wrong. The Faisal Mosque can accommodate approximately 300 thousand people. The area of ​​the mosque is 5 thousand square meters. meters.

7. Imperial Badshahi Mosque

• بادشاہی مسجد

The Badshahi Mosque was built in the mid-17th century in the Pakistani city of Lahore by order of the last ruler Aurangzeb from the Mughal dynasty, and is considered one of the most significant monuments of Indo-Islamic sacred architecture. Located on a platform accessible by stairs, overlooking the old city opposite the Shalimar Gardens and Lahore Fort. Up to 60 thousand people can be in the mosque at the same time.

8. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

• مسجد الشيخ زايد‎‎

Sheikh Zayed Mosque (United Arab Emirates) is famous not only for its size, but also for its stunning beauty. It is one of the main decorations of the city of Abu Dhabi. About 40 thousand people can be in it at the same time. The main prayer hall is designed for 7 thousand worshipers. Two rooms next to the main prayer hall can accommodate 1,500 people each. Both of these rooms are for women only. At the four corners of the mosque there are four minarets, which rise approximately 107 meters. The outer row of the main building is covered with 82 domes.

The mosque amazes with its interior decoration: colored marble and semi-precious stones. In addition, it houses the largest and most luxurious chandelier in the world. The area of ​​the mosque is 22 thousand square meters. meters.

9. Delhi Grand Mosque

• مسجد جھان نمہ

The ranking of the largest mosques in the world continues with the Delhi Cathedral Mosque, or Jami Masjid. The construction of the building began during the reign of Shah Jahan I, the padishah of the Mughal Empire. His name went down in history thanks to the construction of the magnificent mausoleum-mosque of the Taj Mahal on the orders of Jahan. The construction of the Cathedral Mosque was completed in 1656.

The construction of the mosque was the result of the efforts of more than 5,000 workers over six years. The cost of construction at that time was 10 lakh (1 million) rupees. It can accommodate about 25 thousand people at the same time. One of the relics is a copy of the Koran written on deer skin.

10. Al-Saleh Mosque

• جامع الصالح

Al-Saleh Mosque, located in Yemen. It consists of a complex of buildings, the largest of which, for prayers, occupies more than 27 thousand square meters. meters. The official opening of the country's main attraction took place in 2008.

The construction of the mosque was financed by the President of Yemen. It cost the country a huge amount - $60 million. Al-Saleh Mosque is a modern building that houses classrooms and several libraries. The main hall can accommodate up to 44 thousand people.

11. Sultan Qaboos Mosque

• جامع السلطان قابوس الأكبر

The Muscat Grand Mosque is the main mosque of Muscat, Oman. In 1992, Sultan Qaboos ordered that his country Oman have its own Great Mosque. A competition was held in 1993, construction began in 1995. Construction work took six years and four months. The mosque is built from 300,000 tons of Indian sandstone.

The main prayer hall is square in shape (74.4 x 74.4 meters) with a central dome rising to a height of fifty meters above floor level. The dome and main minaret (90 meters) and four side minarets (45.5 meters) are the main visual features of the mosque. The main hall can accommodate more than 6,500 worshipers at a time, while the women's prayer hall can only accommodate 750 people. The external prayer area can accommodate 8,000 believers, the total number of up to 20,000 believers.

12. Masjid Negara Mosque

• مسجد نغارا

Negara is the Malaysian national mosque of Kuala Lumpur, built in 1965. The main hall of the mosque seats 8 thousand people, but can accommodate a maximum of 15,000 and is especially crowded on Fridays. The mosque complex consists of a ribbed star-shaped dome and a minaret 73 m high. It is erroneously assumed that the eighteen corners of the dome symbolize the 13 states of Malaysia and the “5 Pillars of Islam”. But in reality there are 16 corners of the dome, and they do not symbolize anything.

Continuing the information coverage about the mosques of the world, in this post I decided to provide information about the 20 largest mosques in the world, which our guys posted on the Salamworld website, citing an article from Wondrous magazine. It should be immediately emphasized that the rating of mosques was compiled taking into account the size of the entire complex, as well as the capacity of the prayer halls. In addition, having visited, by the will of the Almighty, mosques and Muslim places in more than 100 countries from Indonesia and Malaysia to Europe, Turkey, Iran and Arab countries, I know firsthand that there are greater mosques than those included in this rating. Nevertheless, I decided to give this rating as one of the options.

1. The largest mosque in the world is the Meccan Forbidden Mosque (المسجد الحرام), which is main shrine Muslim world. The Kaaba is located in the courtyard of the mosque. The mosque was built in 638. From 2007 to 2012, by decision of the King of Saudi Arabia, Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, a new large-scale reconstruction of the mosque was carried out. During the expansion, mainly in the northern direction, the territory increases to 400 thousand square meters. meters and will accommodate 1.12 million people. Two more minarets are being built, as well as a new King Abdullah Gate, and all old and new premises are equipped with air conditioning. Taking into account the reconstructed territory of the district, a total of 2.5 million people will be able to participate in ceremonies and events at the same time. The cost of reconstruction is $10.6 billion.

2. The second largest mosque in the world is the Prophet's Mosque (المسجد النبوي). This mosque is located in Medina (Saudi Arabia) and is the second holiest shrine in Islam after Forbidden Mosque. The mosque was built during the lifetime of Muhammad (saw); subsequent Muslim rulers expanded and embellished it. Nowadays, the mosque seats 600 thousand people, on an area of ​​400,500 square meters. meters. During the Hajj period, this number increases to 1 million people.

3. In third place is the Mazar of Imam Reza (حرم علی بن موسی الرضا), an architectural complex erected in 818 in Mashhad (Iran), including the tomb of the imam itself, the tombs of other revered imams, a museum, a library, a cemetery, a mosque and several other buildings. Most of the complex's structures were built during Timurid and Safavid rule, although the first dated structure bears an early 14th-century inscription, and the structure's dome dates back to the early thirteenth century. The area of ​​the complex is 331,578 square meters and accommodates about 100 thousand people.

4. In fourth place is the Indonesian Independence Mosque (مسجد الاستقلال), which is located in Jakarta. After Indonesia gained independence from the Netherlands in 1949, the idea arose to build a national mosque for the new republic, befitting the country with the largest Muslim population in the world. In 1953, a committee for the construction of the Istiqlal Mosque was founded, headed by Anwar. Anwar presented the project to Indonesian President Sukarno, who welcomed him and subsequently took control of the construction of the mosque. On August 24, 1961, Sukarno laid the first stone of the mosque; construction took seventeen years. Indonesian President Suharto opened the national mosque on February 22, 1978. It is still the largest mosque in the region and can accommodate more than 120,000 people at a time.

5. Hassan the Second Mosque (مسجد الحسن الثاني) is another incredible mosque located in the city of Xablanca. This mosque is the largest in Morocco and the fifth in the world. The capacity of this temple is 25 thousand people (this is only one hall). And the total capacity of the mosque is 105 thousand people. The height of the minaret (this is the only minaret) is 210 meters. This mosque was also built in our time, the beginning was 1986, the end was 1989. The project was drawn up by a French architect. The total cost of constructing this huge temple- 800 million dollars.

6. Faisal Mosque (مسجد شاه فيصل) is a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan, one of the largest mosques in the world. The mosque is famous in the Islamic world for its size, with an area of ​​5,000 square meters, it can accommodate 300,000 worshipers. Construction of the mosque began in 1976 by the National Construction Organization of Pakistan and was financed by the Saudi Arabian government. The project cost more than 130 million Saudi riyals (approximately $120 million in today's dollars). King Faisal bin Abdulaziz al-Saud was very instrumental in financing the construction, and after his assassination in 1975, both the mosque and the road leading to it were named after him. The mosque was completed in 1986.

7. Badshahi Mosque (‏بادشاہی مسجد - imperial mosque) is the second largest mosque in Pakistan, located in the city of Lahore. One of the largest mosques in the world. Located on a platform accessible by stairs, overlooking the old city opposite the Shalimar Gardens and Lahore Fort. It was built in 1673-1674 by order of the great Mughal Aurangzeb and is considered one of the most significant monuments of Indo-Islamic sacred architecture of the Mughal era.

8. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (مسجد الشيخ زايد‎‎) is the largest mosque in the UAE. Located in Abu Dhabi, the mosque is named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder and first president of the United Arab Emirates. The mosque can simultaneously accommodate 40 thousand believers. The main prayer hall is designed for 7 thousand worshipers. Two rooms next to the main prayer hall can accommodate 1,500 people each. Both of these rooms are for women only. At the four corners of the mosque there are four minarets, which rise approximately 107 meters. The outer row of the main building is covered with 82 domes. The domes are decorated with white marble, and their interior decoration is also made of marble. The courtyard is lined with colored marble and covers about 17,400 square meters.

9. Delhi Cathedral Mosque (مسجد جھان نمہ) is the eighth largest mosque in the world. The construction of the mosque began under Shah Jahan (the builder of the Taj Mahal) and was completed in 1656. The courtyard of the mosque can accommodate up to twenty-five thousand believers at a time. One of the relics is a copy of the Koran written on deer skin. The construction of the mosque was the result of the efforts of more than 5,000 workers over six years. The cost of construction at that time was 10 lakh (1 million) rupees. Shah Jahan built several important mosques in Delhi, Agra, Ajmer and Lahore.

10. Holy House Mosque (بيت المكرّم‎‎) is the national mosque of Bangladesh. Located in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, this mosque was founded in the 1960s. The mosque complex was designed by the architect Abdul Hussein Tariani. The National Mosque of Bangladesh has several modern architectural features, and at the same time, these innovations preserve the traditional principles of mosque architecture.

11. Muscat Cathedral Mosque or Sultan Qaboos Mosque (جامع السلطان قابوس الأكبر) - the main mosque of Muscat, Oman. In 1992, Sultan Qaboos decreed that his country Oman should have its own Grand Mosque. A competition was held in 1993, construction began in 1995. Construction work took six years and four months. The mosque is built from 300,000 tons of Indian sandstone. The main prayer hall is square in shape (74.4 x 74.4 meters) with a central dome rising to a height of fifty meters above floor level. The dome and main minaret (90 meters) and four side minarets (45.5 meters) are the main visual features of the mosque. The main prayer hall can accommodate more than 6,500 worshipers at a time, while the women's prayer hall can only accommodate 750 people. The external prayer area can accommodate 8,000 believers, the total number of up to 20,000 believers.

12. Festive mosque - "Eid Kah" (عید گاہ مسجد) - the largest mosque in China. Located in the central square of the Muslim Uyghur city of Kashgar. It has an area of ​​16,800 m² and can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers. Built in 1442, although the most ancient sections can be dated back to the 9th-10th centuries. Subsequently expanded and rebuilt.

13. Masjid Negara (مسجد نغارا) - the national Malaysian mosque of Kuala Lumpur, built in 1965. The main hall of the mosque seats over 15 thousand people and is especially crowded on Fridays. The mosque complex consists of a ribbed star-shaped dome and a minaret 73 m high. The eighteen corners of the dome symbolize the 13 states of Malaysia and the “5 Pillars of Islam”.

14. Masjid-e Aqsa (مسجدِ اقصیٰ) is the largest mosque of the Ahmadi community, located in Rabwah (Pakistan). The mosque was opened in 1972 and accommodates 12 thousand worshipers.

15. Mosque "House of Victories" (مسجد بیت الفتوح). mosque in the suburbs of London, England - the largest in Western Europe. The mosque was built by followers of the Ahmadi sect in 2003. It covers an area of ​​21,000 m² and can accommodate up to 10,000 worshipers in three prayer halls. The complex itself includes a gymnasium, offices, a library and television studios. Construction of the complex cost 5.5 million British pounds.

16. Mosque “Heart of Chechnya” (مسجد قبة غروزني المركزي). The “Heart of Chechnya” mosque, built in the center of Grozny, is in 16th place in this ranking of the largest mosques in the world. As I wrote at the very beginning, here, when talking about the mosque in Grozny, the size of the entire complex was taken into account, while in my previous rating the first place was taken by the Makhachkala Juma Mosque, since its capacity is up to 15 thousand people.

Opening date: October 17, 2008, during the forum “Islam - a religion of peace and creation.” Its construction began on April 25, 2006 with the help of specialists from Turkey. The minarets of the mosque are the highest in Russia; the height of the dome is 3 meters lower than the mosques of Kazan and St. Petersburg. The Heart of Chechnya Mosque is the largest Muslim complex in Russia.

17. Blue Mosque or Sultanahmet Mosque (جامع السلطان أحمد) is one of the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul. The mosque has six minarets: four, as usual, on the sides, and two slightly less tall ones on the outer corners. It is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Islamic and world architecture. Construction of the mosque began in August 1609 and was completed in 1616. The mosque can accommodate up to 10 thousand people within its walls.

18. Al-Fatiha Mosque (جامع مركز أحمد الفاتح الإسلامي) - one of the largest mosques in the world, capable of simultaneously accommodating more than 7,000 believers. The mosque is the largest temple in Bahrain. The mosque is very close to the royal palace in Manama, the seat of the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa.

A huge dome built on top of the mosque, made of pure fiberglass and weighing over 60 tons (60,000 kg), is currently the largest fiberglass dome in the world. Al-Fatih now includes the new National Library, which opened to the public in 2006. The mosque was built by the late Sheikh Isa bin Salman al-Khalifa in 1987. It is named after Ahmad al-Fatih, the conqueror of Bahrain.

19. Masjid-e Tuba (مسجد طوبٰی) is located in the Pakistani city of Karachi. Among the population of the city, the mosque is also known as Gol Masjid. The mosque was built in 1969 and is located on Korangi Road. Masjid-e Tuba has the largest dome of any mosque in the world (its diameter is 72 meters) and is one of the main attractions of Karachi. The mosque is built of white marble, the minaret reaches 70 meters in height. The central prayer hall seats 5,000 people. The mosque was designed by Pakistani architect Babar Hamid Chauhan and engineer Zaheer Haider Naqvi.

20. Al-Aqsa Mosque (المسجد الأقصى) is a mosque located on the Temple Mount in Al-Quds. The mosque is the third holiest shrine of Islam after the Forbidden Mosque in Noble Mecca and the Mosque of the Prophet Muhammad (saws) in the Most Serene Medina. Up to 5,000 believers can pray in the mosque at the same time.

Scorpion