The 18 Most Beautiful Mosques Around the World

Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is the second mosque built by the Prophet Muhammad in Medina, following the Quba Mosque. It holds the highest religious significance for Muslims. Originally, the land was owned by two orphans, Sahl and Suhayl, who, upon learning that Muhammad wanted to buy it, graciously offered it to him as a gift. However, Muhammad insisted on paying, and the land was purchased with the help of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a prominent benefactor. Initially, the mosque served as a community center, court, and religious school, with a raised platform for teaching the Qur'an and for the Prophet to deliver sermons. Over the years, successive rulers expanded, decorated, and named parts of the mosque in their honor. Following expansion during the reign of Umayyad Caliph Al-Walid I, it became the burial site of the Prophet Muhammad and the first two caliphs, Abu Bakr and Umar ibn Al-Khattab. One of the most notable features is the 'Green Dome' in the southeast corner, a site that draws thousands of pilgrims who come to Medina as part of the Hajj pilgrimage.

In 1909, under the Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi became the first mosque in the Arabian Peninsula to have electric lighting. It has remained open to the public almost continuously, with only one exception during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when Ramadan approached. The mosque is situated on a rectangular plot with two floors, and the Ottoman prayer hall, the oldest part, lies to the south. The Qibla wall, the most beautifully adorned section, features 185 inscriptions of the Prophet's name, dating back to the 1840s. Other inscriptions include verses from the Qur'an and various Hadiths. Four original minarets, each 7.9 meters tall, were built by Umar. In 1307, the Bab as-Salam minaret was added. After a major renovation in 1994, there are now a total of ten minarets, each rising to a height of 104 meters, with a combination of cylindrical, octagonal, and square shapes in different sections.

The Crystal Mosque (Masjid Kristal) is an awe-inspiring structure made from steel, glass, and crystal. Located at the Islamic Heritage Park on Wan Man Island, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, it took two years to construct and was officially opened on February 8, 2008, by the 13th King of Malaysia and the Sultan of Terengganu, Mizan Zainal Abidin. The mosque can accommodate over 1,500 worshippers at once.

Known as one of Malaysia's most iconic landmarks, the mosque combines modern architectural elements, with four minarets that radiate a golden glow during the day. Inside, the mosque is adorned with huge chandeliers, lattice hallways, and a magnificent mihrab engraved with Islamic calligraphy. The beauty of the structure is further enhanced by the reflective river outside, offering stunning views. At twilight and night, the mosque is illuminated with colorful lights. The main dome is surrounded by eight smaller domes, each with a glassy exterior and topped with spherical and crescent-shaped peaks.

It is also reinforced with a steel frame structure, and each corner of the mosque features towering minarets, each with a spiral staircase inside. The minarets, slender and tapering, feature crescent-shaped edges. The interior is decorated with a blend of modern design and traditional touches, with white and gold tones dominating the color scheme. The prayer hall is encased in multi-layered glass walls, which are engraved with Islamic calligraphy, and is fully air-conditioned for comfort. A floral-patterned carpet is spread over the granite floor, creating an elegant ambiance. Standing before this architectural wonder feels like stepping into a fairytale, making the Crystal Mosque truly a masterpiece of both interior and exterior design.

The Qol Sharif Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Russia and Europe, outside of Istanbul. Initially built in the Kazan Kremlin in the 16th century, it was named after a religious scholar who served there. This scholar, along with many of his students, died while defending Kazan from Russian forces during the Siege of Kazan in 1552. A similar mosque once stood in the Kremlin but was destroyed by Ivan the Terrible’s forces. The current mosque was constructed starting in 1996, with the contributions of over 40,000 people, their names preserved in a register at the mosque. The goal of the architects was to recreate this historic and significant mosque. The mosque features two large courtyards and a grand prayer hall with an ornate dome. This reconstruction symbolizes the revival of the Tatar people’s cultural heritage and spirit.

Notable architectural features of the Qol Sharif Mosque include the surrounding exterior, formed by eight angled projections, each connected at 135 degrees, all of substantial size and proportionate to the prominent features of the structure. At the top, a 35-meter dome, shaped like the Kazan cap, symbolizes the strength of warriors. Other pointed domes represent the connection to the traditional dwellings of all Turkic nomads throughout history. Four minarets, each standing 58 meters tall, are topped with silver crescent moons. Inside, magnificent carpets gifted by the Iranian government cover the floors, and the mosque is decorated with tulip motifs, symbolizing the rebirth and prosperity of ancient Bulgaria. The complex also houses the Volga Region Islamic Cultural Museum, an Ancient Manuscripts Museum, and a library.

Perched on the third hill of Istanbul, the Suleymaniye Mosque is one of the most magnificent and beautiful architectural marvels. Commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and designed by royal architect Mimar Sinan, this mosque has been a symbol of Ottoman grandeur. Behind the Qibla wall lies a compound containing the octagonal tombs of Suleiman and his wife, Hurrem Sultan (Roxelana). For 462 years, this mosque was the largest in Istanbul until it was surpassed by the Camlica Mosque in 2019. Despite this, Suleymaniye remains one of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks.

Constructed during the Ottoman era, the mosque makes prominent use of marble, granite, and porous stone. The interior is adorned with exquisite Iznik tiles, white marble, ivory, and mother-of-pearl. Above the northern entrance, three slabs of marble bear an Arabic inscription in Thuluth script, marking the mosque’s completion date in 1557, although construction began earlier in the 1550s, and some parts of the complex were finished after that. The mosque endured significant damage during a great fire in 1660, later restored by Sultan Mehmed IV. A portion of the dome collapsed in the 1766 earthquake, and subsequent repairs unfortunately marred some of Sinan's original decorative work. During World War I, the courtyard was used as an ammunition storage area, and a fire broke out after explosives ignited. The mosque was fully restored in 1956, with further restoration to surrounding areas continuing through the following decade.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque stands as the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the third-largest in the world. Anyone who visits or even sees it from afar is captivated by its stunning beauty. Covering an expansive 12 hectares, it can accommodate over 40,000 worshippers at once. The mosque complex spans 22,400 square meters, with the main prayer hall able to host more than 7,000 worshippers and two additional prayer halls, each holding 1,500 people. To construct this massive structure, over 100,000 tons of Greek and Macedonian marble were used. Located on Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, it is easily visible from the Sheikh Zayed, Maqta, and Mussafah bridges, which connect the island of Abu Dhabi to the mainland. This AED 2.5 billion project took 12 years to complete, starting in 1996. The mosque blends architectural styles from the Mamluk, Ottoman, and Fatimid eras, and features a lighting system that mirrors moon phases, casting colors onto the mosque’s exterior. The interior combines traditional Middle Eastern arched windows with modern geometric designs.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque boasts 82 domes in varying sizes, with the largest dome reaching 85 meters in height and 32.8 meters in diameter. The interior of these domes is adorned with intricate Moroccan-style art. The mosque is also home to 4 towering minarets, each standing 106 meters tall. The mosque’s grandeur is highlighted by 1,192 columns, 96 of which are part of the inner prayer hall, and all are inlaid with mother-of-pearl. The mosque's lasting beauty is attributed to the white marble chosen by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, symbolizing peace and purity. The central prayer hall features the world’s largest hand-knotted Persian carpet, measuring 5,700 square meters. It is made of 70% wool and 30% cotton and took two years to complete, with around 1,200 artisans working on nine sections, which were then assembled into one piece.

True to its name, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is adorned with seven magnificent crystal chandeliers in the main prayer hall and other vestibules. Crafted by Faustig in Germany, these chandeliers feature Swarovski crystal panels, contributing to the mosque's overall allure. Made from brass, stainless steel, and approximately 40 kilograms of gilded gold, they illuminate the main prayer hall in opulence.

The Grand Paris Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Paris, is a stunning example of Islamic architecture and cultural heritage in the heart of France’s capital. This architectural masterpiece offers a serene space where visitors can immerse themselves in its beauty and explore various enchanting features. One of the most remarkable sights is the wisteria flowers blooming in spring. As the weather warms, the courtyard is adorned with vibrant lavender, purple, and white wisteria flowers hanging from trellises, filling the air with their sweet fragrance. The interplay of sunlight and delicate blossoms creates a mesmerizing scene of peace and tranquility for all who visit. The mosque includes a prayer hall, an outdoor garden, a small library, a gift shop, a café, and a restaurant.

Built in the 1920s and completed in 1926, the Grand Paris Mosque was created to honor the 70,000 Muslim soldiers who lost their lives during World War I. The idea originated in the mid-19th century, but the project wasn’t realized until much later. The French government decided to build this mosque as a token of gratitude to the Muslim soldiers for their service to France. Designed by architect Maurice Tranchant de Lunel, the mosque’s architecture is inspired by Arab-Andalusian styles. The entrance leads into a stunning courtyard surrounded by arches and mosaics, with a fountain at its center, enveloped by lush flowers and greenery.

It is truly a perfect space for relaxation and quiet contemplation. The hall features a wooden vaulted ceiling, intricately carved, decorated with mosaics and Arabic calligraphy. The glazed ceramic walls are visually striking, depicting religious imagery. In addition, the mosque’s 33-meter-high minaret is one of the architectural highlights, symbolizing the mosque’s identity and offering views of the surrounding area.

The Putra Mosque is a breathtaking structure built from pink granite, which took two years to complete and cost over 60 million USD. Construction began in 1997, drawing inspiration from Middle Eastern, Persian, and traditional Malay architecture. The mosque is named in honor of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al Haj, Malaysia’s first Prime Minister. Situated on the artificial Putrajaya Lake, part of the mosque sits on solid ground, while the majority is built over the water, a popular design technique for mosques as it gives the building a floating appearance. Some mosques have even been built over oceans, creating a truly striking effect.

In terms of structural specifics, the mosque’s main dome rises 50 meters, and its minaret reaches a height of 116 meters, making it the third tallest in the world. Inspired by the Sheikh Omar Mosque in Baghdad, built in the 12th century, the minaret has five levels, with a design that blends modern simplicity with classic, symbolic features. The exterior design includes traditional elements that reflect nature, such as decorative screens at the entrance, which evoke the imagery of the sun or flowers. Inside, the vast space can accommodate 15,000 worshippers and includes a prayer hall, auditorium, lecture hall, dining area, funeral room, and library. The main prayer hall, the largest room, is beneath a grand pink dome supported by 12 columns. It is an open space where the community gathers to pray. Another interesting feature is the intricate stained glass windows surrounding the prayer hall. While the design appears simple, the complex geometric patterns are fascinating upon closer inspection.

The mosque’s architecture also includes an iconic 8-pointed star pattern known as Khatem Sulemani. This design is a hallmark of Islamic architecture, formed by layering squares, with one rotated 45 degrees. These squares are placed inside a circle, and concentric circles and squares complete the star pattern at the center. It’s a recurring motif in Islamic art.

Beyond its spiritual significance, the Putra Mosque also serves the community, offering public spaces for conferences, seminars, and exhibitions. Visitors of all faiths are required to wear headscarves as a sign of respect when entering the mosque.

The Seoul Central Mosque is the only mosque in Seoul and the first mosque ever built in South Korea. Perched on top of a hill overlooking the bustling Itaewon district, it was completed in 1976 with financial support from various Islamic nations as well as the South Korean government. Interestingly, the sermons here are delivered in three languages: Korean, English, and Arabic. Above the entrance, there is a sign in Arabic that reads “Allahuakbar,” meaning “God is Great.” Before the mosque’s establishment, the Korea Muslim Federation had been conducting prayers in a temporary prayer room in downtown Seoul, where approximately 3,000 Muslims were living at the time. South Korea’s President Park Chung-hee offered the land for the mosque as a gesture of goodwill toward potential Middle Eastern allies, as the nation was still in its early stages of development. Saudi Arabia and several other Middle Eastern countries showed their support by providing funds for the construction.

Within a year of the Seoul Central Mosque opening, the Muslim population in South Korea grew from 3,000 to over 15,000. By the 1990s, the number had surged to around 150,000, fueled by an influx of migrant workers from Muslim-majority countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. Following this growth, seven more mosques were built across South Korea. However, the Seoul Central Mosque remains the only mosque in the capital, making it a focal point for the Muslim community and a cultural hub for Islamic life. A vibrant commercial district has developed around the mosque, mainly offering Middle Eastern and halal foods. The mosque stands out with its distinct Islamic architectural design.

The mosque’s towering minarets and the Arabic calligraphy etched near the entrance are notable features, as is the traditional wooden pulpit, which was a gift from King Hassan II of Morocco. The mosque hosts Friday sermons and features two separate prayer halls: a larger hall for men and a smaller one for women. Non-Muslims are not allowed inside the mosque during prayer times but are welcome to explore the surrounding outdoor spaces.

The Tokyo Camii Mosque, along with its Turkish Cultural Center, is located in Yoyogi Uehara, Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. Originally built in 1938, the mosque was severely damaged in 1986 and later rebuilt into the Tokyo Camii & Turkish Cultural Centre in 2000. It has become a cornerstone for Muslims in Japan and features architecture inspired by Istanbul’s iconic Blue Mosque. This Ottoman-style mosque stands out strikingly amid the modern skyscrapers of Shinjuku. Its exquisite design has made it a popular attraction for visitors, drawing them into its beauty.

Initially constructed alongside a school by Bashkir and Tatar immigrants from Russia, the mosque was first completed in 1938. However, due to severe structural damage, it was demolished in 1986. With the guidance and support of the Turkish Directorate of Religious Affairs, a new building was started in 1998, designed by architect Hilmi Senalp. Around 70 craftsmen worked on the intricate details, and a significant amount of marble was imported from Turkey. The total cost of the project was estimated at 1.5 billion yen.

The current Tokyo Camii Mosque covers an area of 734 m², with three stories above ground and a basement, totaling a floor area of 1,477 m². Its main dome, standing 23.25 meters high, is supported by six columns, while the adjoining minaret rises to 41.48 meters. Each floor of the mosque serves a different purpose for the community. The ground floor is a communal area, while the second floor houses the prayer hall, complete with a pulpit for sermons. The mosque’s interior and exterior predominantly feature two colors: white and turquoise. Both the minbar and mihrab are adorned in white marble, symbolizing purity, with gold accents highlighting their significance.

The Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque, often referred to as the Pink Mosque, is a traditional mosque located in Shiraz, Iran. Built during the Qajar dynasty, its construction began in 1876 under the command of Mirza Hassan Ali Nasir-ol-Mulk, a prominent nobleman of the region. Completed in 1888 by architect Mohammad Hasan-e-Memar, the mosque is renowned for its vibrant stained-glass windows, as well as its intricate traditional design elements such as the Panj Kase pattern. The mosque’s architecture is a masterpiece of vibrant color, with millions of tiles creating dazzling patterns on its domes and wall niches. The most enchanting time to visit is during the early morning hours, between 7 and 9 AM, when the first rays of sunlight filter through the colored glass, casting beautiful light across the corridors and Persian carpets, creating a breathtaking atmosphere. The entire space becomes a vibrant kaleidoscope of colors, mesmerizing all who enter.

For over 140 years, the Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque has been regarded as one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a “dance of colors” as the sunlight interacts with the stained-glass windows, painting the mosque’s intricate architecture with radiant hues. The interior features a decorated dome and elaborate chandeliers, complemented by beautifully patterned glazed tiles. Outside, a large courtyard with a central pond is surrounded by geranium flowers, and during the rainy spring and autumn months, the reflections on the wet ground create a truly stunning sight. The facade of the mosque is adorned with numerous Arabesque domes, enhancing the beauty of the light display through the colored glass.

The Cologne Central Mosque is the largest mosque in Germany. Its architecture is inspired by the shape of a flower, and its glass walls symbolize openness to people of all faiths. This design blends Eastern influences with contemporary Islamic architecture. Arabic inscriptions on the ceiling feature the names of prophets who played pivotal roles in Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. The mosque was first used for prayer in 2017, and its official inauguration took place in September 2018. Designed in the neo-Ottoman style, it features glass walls, two minarets, and a central dome. The mosque spans 4,500 square meters and cost approximately 20 million pounds to build, with the capacity to accommodate 2,000 to 4,000 worshippers. The construction was funded by a branch of the Turkish government's religious affairs department, bank loans, and donations from 884 Islamic associations. Additionally, the Cologne Catholic Church of Saint Theodore helped fund the project. The mosque was designed by architect Gottfried Böhm and his son, Paul Böhm.

The Cologne Central Mosque features a main hall that rises to 36.5 meters, flanked by two 55-meter-high minarets. Inside, there is a marketplace, a ground-floor entrance, a basement lecture hall, an upper prayer area, and a library. A central well connects the two levels, creating a pleasant atmosphere. The glass walls offer visitors a sense of openness, and the original plan to build shorter minarets was scrapped after architects argued that it would cause the towers to be out of proportion with the rest of the mosque and surrounding structures. Developers also decided to add secular spaces, such as a restaurant, event hall, and shops, all of which are open to people of all faiths, fostering connection among diverse communities.

The Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 16th century. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, located in Fatehpur Sikri – the Mughal Empire’s capital for a decade. With stunning Iranian architecture, the Jama Masjid is one of the most visited landmarks in Agra. This mosque signifies a transition in Indian Islamic art, where Persian influences blend with local traditions. Commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656, it served as the royal mosque for Mughal emperors until the empire’s collapse in 1857. Jama Masjid is seen as a symbol of Islamic power during the colonial era and held political significance during various periods of British rule. It is still in use today and stands as one of Delhi’s most iconic monuments.

The mosque is primarily constructed from red sandstone, distinguished from its predecessors by the extensive use of white marble. Black marble also serves as a decorative element. Arabic and Persian calligraphy with religious texts adorn various surfaces of the building. Situated atop a hill, the Jama Masjid is elevated 10 meters above the surrounding city. The grandest of its three gates is the East Gate, a three-story entrance historically reserved for the Emperor and his nobles. The two other entrances, the North and South Gates, are two-story structures used by the public. The square courtyard, paved in stone and facing the East Gate, spans 99 meters on each side and can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers. In the center of the courtyard lies a large marble ablution tank, measuring 17 meters by 15 meters.

Along the edges of the inner courtyard, open arches offer views of the surrounding mosque. The prayer hall, measuring 61 meters in length and 27 meters in width, is flanked by five smaller archways. Above each archway is a calligraphic inscription. The prayer hall features seven mihrabs (prayer niches) on the west-facing qibla wall. The central mihrab is adorned with marble, with a minbar (pulpit) to its right. The interior is decorated in black and white hues, resembling a prayer rug. The domes are supported by two sandstone minarets at the northeast and southeast corners, each standing 40 meters tall. Each minaret contains 130 steps leading up to galleries offering spectacular views of the mosque.

The Bibi-Khanym Mosque is one of the most significant landmarks in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. In the 15th century, it was one of the largest and most magnificent mosques, regarded as a masterpiece of the Renaissance period. Although much of the mosque was damaged by an earthquake in 1897, the main sections have since been restored. According to some legends, it was built by Bibi-Khanym, the beloved wife of Timur (Tamerlane), as a grand gesture to celebrate his return from India. The mosque was intended to be the most impressive architectural structure in Samarkand. The mosque features three domed chambers, a covered gallery, eight minarets (four of which have been restored, while the others remain unfinished), and a vast courtyard with an ornate marble platform.

It exhibits the typical characteristics of many medieval Islamic structures, particularly the garden works. The exterior walls enclose a rectangular area measuring 167 meters long and 109 meters wide. A towering dome, around 40 meters high, stands opposite the courtyard. The covered gallery and spacious courtyard were designed to gather all the men of Samarkand for Friday prayers. The interior is adorned with gilded details, resembling local embroidered tapestry designs. The Bibi-Khanym Mosque is one of the most ambitious architectural projects of the Timurid period and has had a lasting influence on the architecture of Central Asia, as well as Iran and Afghanistan.

The Badshahi Mosque is an iconic Mughal-era mosque located in the capital of Punjab, Pakistan. Situated opposite the Lahore Fort on the outskirts of the city, it is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the region. Constructed between 1671 and 1673 by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, Badshahi Mosque stands as an important example of ancient architecture, with its exterior adorned in red sandstone and intricate white marble inlays. In 1799, during the rule of Ranjit Singh and the Sikh Empire, the mosque's courtyard was repurposed as a stable and barracks for soldiers. When the British Empire took control of Lahore in 1846, the mosque continued to serve as a military station until 1852. Subsequently, the Badshahi Mosque Trust was established to oversee its restoration as a place of worship.

To enter the mosque, one must climb 22 steps leading up to the grand eastern gate. After passing through the immense gateway, visitors are welcomed into a vast courtyard made of sandstone, surrounded by arches and capable of holding up to 100,000 worshippers. The prayer hall features a central vaulted niche, flanked by five smaller niches on either side. Of the three marble domes, the largest one sits at the center, flanked by two smaller ones. Both the interior and exterior are decorated with exquisite white marble carvings, showcasing traditional Mughal floral patterns. The mosque is also distinguished by four 60-meter tall, octagonal minarets at each corner, built from red sandstone. Additionally, the main structure is surrounded by four smaller towers at its corners.

The Hassan II Mosque is the largest mosque in Africa and the seventh largest in the world, located in Casablanca, Morocco. Completed in 1993, it was designed by architect Michel Pinseau, under the guidance of King Hassan II, and built by artisans from across the kingdom. The 60-story minaret is topped with a laser beam that points towards Mecca every night. The mosque stands on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, with its marble walls handcrafted to perfection. The mosque can accommodate up to 105,000 worshippers, with 25,000 inside the prayer hall and 80,000 outside in the courtyard. Commissioned by King Hassan II, this architectural masterpiece is one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken in Morocco. Construction began on July 12, 1986, and took seven years to complete. During the most intense phase of the work, 1,400 men worked during the day and 1,100 others worked through the night, while 10,000 artists and craftsmen contributed to the intricate decorations. The total cost was estimated at around 585 million euros, a controversial sum given Morocco's relatively low average income.

The prayer hall of the Hassan II Mosque is topped with a vast skylight and built on a rectangular floor plan measuring 200m by 100m, featuring three central aisles perpendicular to the qibla wall. Materials used in the construction, such as granite, plaster, marble, and wood, were sourced from across the country, with some columns made of white granite from Italy and 56 Murano glass chandeliers. Over 6,000 traditional craftsmen worked for five years to create stunning mosaic artworks. The floor, columns, plaster moldings, and wooden ceiling are all meticulously carved and painted. The exterior is finished with titanium, copper, and granite, decorated with light green marble and Zellige tiles.

Another unique feature of the mosque is that all the structures are made from concrete, cement, and reinforced steel, while the decorations follow traditional designs. The central hall features a series of arches, with imported Murano glass chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. On either side of the hall are mezzanines reserved for women. The entrance is adorned with marble columns, and geometric mosaic tiles with intricate plaster carvings enhance the Islamic art motifs.

The Blue Mosque, also called the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, stands as one of the most grandiose mosques of the Ottoman Empire. It is the only mosque in Istanbul with six minarets, a rarity compared to the two or four minarets commonly seen in other mosques throughout the city. Construction took place between 1609 and 1616 under the rule of Sultan Ahmed I. Its design was intended to demonstrate the imperial strength of the Ottoman Empire while complementing the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia. Unlike the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque is supported by four massive 'elephant-leg' columns, with a central dome almost 24 meters wide and 43 meters high, surrounded by four additional smaller domes. The mosque's nickname, the “Blue Mosque,” comes from the over 20,000 handmade Iznik tiles that decorate its interior, featuring a range of floral motifs like tulips, roses, carnations, and lilies, all illuminated by 260 windows.

It is strategically located between the Hagia Sophia and the Byzantine Hippodrome, close to the Topkapi Palace – the residence of the Ottoman sultans. The mosque's courtyard features a large fountain and a special area for ablution. A chain was once suspended at the western entrance, and only the Sultan was permitted to ride a horse inside. He had to bow his head to avoid the chain – a symbolic gesture ensuring the ruler’s humility before Allah. Architect Sedefkar Mehmet Aga left an indelible mark on Istanbul, and his work here is considered the pinnacle of his career. One of the most important features inside the mosque is the Mihrab, made of intricately carved marble, with a stalactite-shaped niche and walls covered in glazed tiles. Many of the lamps inside were once gilded with gold and encrusted with jewels. Among the glass bowls, ostrich eggs and crystal globes could be found. These decorative pieces have since been looted or removed for display in museums.

In 2016, it was announced that the mosque would undergo a series of renovations. Many restoration projects were completed throughout Istanbul, and the Blue Mosque's restoration was the final one. The entire process took three and a half years and was completed in 2020.

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in Oman, located in the capital city of Muscat. It features four main sections: the prayer hall, a separate women’s prayer hall, a library, and a lecture hall. This mosque is regarded as one of the most beautiful and modern mosques in the world, with a capacity to accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers. In 1992, Sultan Qaboos bin Said directed that Oman should have a grand mosque as a national gift to commemorate the third decade of his reign. Indeed, it stands as one of the grandest architectural projects of the Sultan's reign, surpassing the 50 mosques, churches, and temples he commissioned over nearly fifty years of rule. Construction began in December 1994 and took six years and seven months to complete.

The mosque occupies a vast 416,000 square-meter site, with a 40,000 square-meter expanded complex. The structure is made of stone, with wooden doors, windows, and decorative glass elements. Around 300,000 tons of Indian sandstone were imported to build the mosque. The complex is surrounded by five towering minarets, with the main one reaching 90 meters in height and four smaller ones at 45.5 meters. These minarets symbolize the five pillars of Islam: faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage. Inside, the mosque features a prayer rug that took four years to create, weighing 21 tons. The rug showcases traditional Persian designs from Tabriz, Kashan, and Isfahan, and is made of 28 shades of color, mainly derived from natural dyes. It was once the largest single-piece carpet in the world, now second only to the carpet in the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi. The prayer hall is also illuminated by a 14-meter-high chandelier weighing 8.5 tons, adorned with 600,000 crystal pieces and 1,122 halogen bulbs, crafted by the Italian company Faustig. Additionally, 34 smaller chandeliers of the same design hang throughout the mosque.

In contrast to the towering glass skyscrapers of its neighbors, Oman’s architectural style is grounded in its heritage, favoring low-rise buildings painted white and featuring intricate latticework, mosaics, and floral carvings that celebrate the country's history.

The Ibn Tulun Mosque is one of the oldest and best-preserved mosques in Egypt and all of Africa, still intact in its original form. It is also the largest mosque in Cairo in terms of land area. The mosque is built around a large open courtyard that allows natural light to flood the space, and it features an ancient architectural style with intricate plasterwork and carved wooden decorations. Commissioned by the Tulunid ruler Ahmad ibn Tulun and designed by the renowned architect Saiid Ibn Kateb Al-Farghany, a Christian Orthodox, the mosque’s construction began in 876 AD. The mosque is situated on a small hill called Gebel Yashkur, or “Hill of Thanks.” According to local legend, this is where Noah’s Ark rested after the Great Flood, not on Mount Ararat as commonly believed. The mosque also served as a place of refuge for pilgrims from North Africa traveling to Hijaz in the 12th century.

Styled in the Samarran architectural tradition of the Abbasid era, the mosque is built around an inner courtyard with covered galleries on all four sides. The entire structure is made of high-quality red brick and stucco, a cement-based plaster mixed on-site and applied while wet, allowing it to harden into a solid mass. Originally, there was a fountain in the center of the courtyard, covered by a golden dome supported by ten marble columns. Beneath the dome, a large basin with a diameter of four cubits was placed, with a marble spout in the center. There is a popular legend surrounding the construction of the mosque’s minaret, which features an external spiral staircase. It is said that Ibn Tulun, while sitting with his officials, absentmindedly wrapped a piece of parchment around his finger. When asked what he was doing, he replied that he was designing the minaret. However, architectural features suggest that the minaret was built later, particularly the fact that it is not directly connected to the main mosque building. Some believe that the minaret was actually built by Sultan Lajin, who restored the mosque in 1296.

During the medieval period, several houses were constructed along the outer walls of the mosque, though most were destroyed in 1928 by the Arab Monument Preservation Committee. However, two of the oldest houses remain intact. These houses are accessible via the mosque’s outer walls and are now open to the public as the Gayer-Anderson Museum, named after the British officer who lived there until 1942. The mosque itself has undergone multiple restorations, the first known in 1077, and later improvements were made by Sultan Lajin in 1296. The most recent restoration was carried out in 2004 by the Supreme Council of Antiquities of Egypt.