13 most beautiful mosques in the world

Famous for their structures, architecture and history, we look at a few of the most beautiful mosques

Mosques are the epicentre of prayer and religious comgregation in Islam. As 1.6 billion Muslims around the world observe Ramazan, we take a look at some of the most beautiful mosques in the world.



1) Masjid Nabawi, Saudi Arabia

Known as the mosque of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), Masjid Nabawi is one of the most loved sites in Islam. Masjid Nabawi is considered the second holiest site in Islam, after Masjid al-Haram in Makkah.

PHOTO: Haffiz Ikhlaq/flickr

2) Qaboos Grand mosque, Muscat, Oman

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is one of the most gorgeous  mosques ever built. Located in the capital city of Oman, it was first opened in 2001.

PHOTO: Frans.Sellies/flickr

3) Mazoon Mosque - Sultanate of Oman

Sayyidah Maizoon bint Ahmed Mosque was built in memory of the mother of Sultan Qaboos. Maizoon Mosque is located Al Mawalih and was first opened in 2006.

PHOTO: Jhong Dizon

4) Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque

Also known as the 'pink mosque', the Nasir Al-Mulk mosque was completed in 1888 in Shiraz, Iran by the order of Mirza Hasan Ali Nasir al Molk, a lord of the Qajar dynasty.

PHOTO: Mohammad Reza Domiri Ganji

5) Istanbul Ortakoy Mosque

Built in 1853 by Architect Nigoğos Balyan right next to Bosphorus, Ortaköy Mosque is one of the most famous mosques in Istanbul.

PHOTO: bdulrahman AlMutairi

6) Blue mosque, Istanbul 

This stunning mosque forms an essential part of Istanbul’s skyline and its six needle-like minarets give the mosque its majestic feel. The mosque derived its name from its interior which is adorned with blue Iznik tiles and was built under the reign of Ottoman Emperor Ahmed I between 1609 and 1616.

PHOTO: allwonders

7) Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca, Morocco

The Grande Mosque Hasssan II is the world’s third largest mosque and supports the world’s tallest minaret at 210 metres. It stands on the seafront of Casablanca and the seabed is visible through the glass floor in the main hall of the mosque.

PHOTO: travellingbackflip

8) Wazir Khan mosque, Lahore, Pakistan

The Wazir Khan Mosque is known for its extensive tile work. Built over the course of seven years, starting around 1634–1635 AD,  the mosque is one of the best examples of Mughal architecture.

PHOTO: Yaver/flickr

9) Mosque - cathedral of Cordoba, Spain

This well-known mosque was built in the 10th century during the rule of Abd-ar-Rahman III, who was one of the most prominent rulers in the history of Islam.

PHOTO: jamesdale10

10) Al Aqsa mosque, Jerusalem, Palestine

Al Aqsa mosque is located in the Old City of Jerusalem and is considered the third holiest site in Islam.

PHOTO: Andola

11) Badshahi Mosque, Lahore

Lahore’s famous Badshahi Mosque was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and is Pakistan’s second largest mosque. With its elaborate courtyard and red brick structure, the mosque is also a famous tourist attraction.

PHOTO: AMS

12) Faisal Masjid, Islamabad

Completed in 1986 and designed by a Turkish architect, Faisal Masjid is shaped like a desert Bedouin’s tent, and is an iconic symbol in the capital. King Faisal bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia both suggested (in 1966) and largely funded the Faisal Mosque.

PHOTO: Reuters

13) Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi

This mosque is home to the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, crafted by 1,200 artisans, and a 12-tonne crystal chandelier. It has been described by experts as a “landmark building” that is worth visiting “for the architecture alone.”

PHOTO: adeventuroustravels