Musjids of the World Series 11

The Musjid serves as the focal point of any Muslim community and is the most important structure to Muslims.

Charminar, Hyderabad, India. Built by Muslim ruler Muhammad Shah in 1591. The Musjid occupies the top floor of the four-story structure. Charminar is a square monument built with granite and lime mortar. Each side measures 20m, and each corner has a 48,7m high minaret. Inside the minarets 149 steps lead to the top floor. Each side of the structure opens into a plaza through giant arches. Each arch is 11m wide and rises 20m.



Islamic Centre of Geneva, Switzerland is also known as the Little Mosque of Geneva. It is the oldest Islamic centre in Europe, founded by Egyptian Said Ramadan in 1965. The Centre occupies a small whitewashed house with green shutters, close to Lake Geneva. The largest room on the lower level of the house is the Musjid. Next to the Musjid is a classroom used for Arabic and Islamic lessons and conferences. The Centre also has a bookstore.


Grand Musjid of Lyon, France. Completed in 1994 and combines traditional elements with modern architecture. The Musjid was funded by King Fahd of Saudi Arabia and by other Muslim countries. The exterior features has Persian arches, a 25-meter-high minaret and a white dome topped with the crescent. The entrance patio is covered by a glass pyramid supported by 230 columns. A mezzanine level in the prayer room is for women. The Musjid has an information centre and guided tours given by Lyon Visitors Bureau.