Musjids of the World 13

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

King Abdullah I Musjid, Amman, Jordan. Built 1982-1989. Capped by a magnificent blue mosaic dome. Capacity: 3,000.






Koutoubia Musjid, Marrakech, Morocco. Built in the Almohad style. Minaret (69m high) completed 1184-1199 and was a model for the minaret of the Giralda Musjid in Spain which influenced thousands of church towers in Spain and Eastern Europe. 6 rooms (one above the other) form the interior; leading around them is a ramp by which the Muazzin could ride up to the balcony.


Makkah Musjid, Hyderabad, India. Believed to contain a hair of the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam. Bricks from Makkah are part of the central arch. The Musjid has Belgian crystal chandeliers. It was completed in 1694 by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and took 8,000 masons 77 years to complete. The hall is 23m high. Each of the two columns on either side are made of a single piece of granite, which took 5 years to quarry. The courtyard has a large pond.




Qolsharif Musjid, Kazan, Russia. Largest Musjid in Russia and Europe. Named after Muslim fighter Qolsharif who died with many of his students defending Kazan from Russian forces. Originally built in the 16th century, the Musjid was destroyed by Russians in 1552. Rebuilt by 2005. Qolsharif is the most important symbol of Muslim Tatar independence. The Musjid has an Islamic Museum.