Islamic Arachitecture

Islamic architecture comprises the architectural styles of buildings associated with Islam.

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Beautiful Mosque in Jagran, Neelum Valley, Kashmir

Beautiful Mosque in Jagran, Neelum Valley, Kashmir.

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Rare photo of Al Aqsa Mosque and its original gray dome

This rare photo features the Al-Aqsa Mosque and its original gray dome, and in the background is the Dome of the Rock, or Golden Dome, which is often mistaken for the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The purpose of this picture is to remove the misunderstanding, which is common due to the approach of newspapers, magazines and mass media, that the news is about Masjid al-Aqsa and the picture is placed of Qubat al-Sakhra, i.e. Golden Dome, while for every Muslim, Masjid al-Aqsa is It is important to identify correctly because this is the first Qibla and the third holiest place for Muslims and the media, especially foreign ones, want Muslims to forget Al-Aqsa Mosque. Reference: Atlas of Islamic Conquests,

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Slovenia's first mosque opens after 50 years

 Slovenia's first mosque opened in the capital Ljubljana on Monday after surmounting financial hurdles and right-wing opposition, 50 years after the initial request to build was made. Opponents of the project — including those who criticised its Qatari financing — have repeatedly tried to halt it, and pig heads and blood have also been left on the site. Islamic community head Mufti Nedzad Grabus said the mosque's opening was "a turning point in our lives". "Slovenia is the last former Yugoslav state to get a mosque, making Ljubljana a capital rather than a provincial town on the edge of the world," he told a press conference. Muslims in the predominantly Catholic Alpine country first filed a request to build a mosque in the late 1960s while Slovenia was still part of the former Communist Yugoslavia. The community finally received permission 15 years ago, but ran into opposition from right-wing politicians and groups, as well as financial troubles. Construction, which began in 2013, cost some 34 million euros ($39 million), out of which 28 million euros were Qatari donations, according to Grabus. Situated in a semi-industrial area of Ljubljana, the mosque, which can hold up to 1,400 people, constitutes the core of the six-building Islamic Cultural Centre.

 The centre also comprises the community's offices; an education centre, which includes a library; a restaurant; a basketball court; housing for the Muslim clerisy; and a 40-metre (131 feet) high minaret. All the buildings are made from white concrete combined with steel, glass and wood. A large blue textile-made dome dominates the mosque's interior, referring to heaven and reminiscent of famous mosques like Istanbul's Blue Mosque.

 "We wanted to link traditional Islamic architecture values with contemporary architecture," architect Matej Bevk told AFP adding the centre's glass facades were meant to show its transparence and openness. Until now, Muslims have been worshipping and holding ceremonies in rented sports halls or buildings. They make up 2.5 per cent of the country's two million people, constituting the second biggest religious group, according to the last 2002 census. Grabus estimated there were around 80,000 Muslims currently. Opponents of the project have twice tried to halt it, once in 2004 and again in 2009, by asking for a referendum. The constitutional court denied the requests both times. Critics claim Qatar is one of the main financiers of terrorism. Pig heads and blood were also tossed on the site in two incidents in 2016. Pigs are considered to be unclean and pork and its by-products forbidden under Islam. Ljubljana's long-time mayor Zoran Jankovic has supported the project. Azra Lekovic, a Slovenian Muslim in her late 40s, described the mosque as "crucial", saying her children, 22 and 24, had distanced themselves from the religion over the years. "I hope it will allow my children to get in touch with the Islamic community again, to meet progressive people and find friends that share their religion," the entrepreneur from Sezana in western Slovenia told AFP.

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An aerial view of Kayiboyu mosque during Eid al-Adha

Bilecik, Turkey An aerial view of Kayiboyu mosque during Eid al-Adha.

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The Moon over the Kul Sharif Mosque

The Kul Sharif Mosque located in Kazan Kremlin, was reputed to be – at the time of its construction – one of the largest mosques in Russia, and in Europe outside of Istanbul. Originally, the mosque was built in the Kazan Kremlin in the 16th century. It was named after Kul Sharif, who was a religious scholar who served there. Kul Sharif died with his numerous students while defending Kazan from Russian forces in 1552. It is believed that the building featured minarets, both in the form of cupolas and tents. Its design was traditional for Volga Bulgaria, although elements of early Renaissance and Ottoman architecture could have been used as well. In 1552, during the Siege of Kazan it was destroyed by Ivan the Terrible. The mosque displays several detail through mosaics, ornaments, calligraphy, and more.

Tatar scholars speculate as to whether some elements of Kul Sharif Mosque can be seen in Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow (8 domes with a central cupola). Since 1996, the mosque has been rebuilt in the Kazan Kremlin, although its look is decisively modern. Its inauguration on July 24, 2005, marked the beginning of celebrations dedicated to the Millennium of Kazan. It can accommodate 6,000 worshipers. Several countries contributed to the fund that was set up to rebuild Kul Sharif Mosque, namely Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates. Nowadays the mosque predominantly serves as a museum of Islam. At the same time during the major Muslim celebrations thousands of people gather there to pray. The Kul Sharif complex was envisioned to be an important cornerstone of Kazan's architectural landscape. Besides the main mosque building it includes a library, publishing house and Imam's office.

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Camlica Mosque : Largest Mosque in Turkey

 Maiden's Tower and Camlica Mosque are seen at the evening hours of Istanbul, Turkey

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Istanbul's landmark Camlıca mosque

The first call for prayer (adhan) from Turkey's new landmark “Camlıca" mosque reverberated across Istanbul. Hundreds of Muslims performed the first Morning Prayer after the construction of the mosque which started six years ago was completed. The mosque represents a mix of Ottoman-Seljuk and contemporary architectural style.

Çamlıca Republic Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, is the largest mosque in Turkey and was inaugurated on 1 July 2016. Çamlıca Mosque is able to accommodate 37,500 people, and includes a museum, art gallery, library, conference hall, and underground parking lot. Çamlıca Mosque was designed by two female architects, Bahar Mızrak and Hayriye Gül Totu, at a cost of around TL 150 million ($66.5 million). The mosque is one of a number of megaprojects built by the Turkish government to show the strength of the economy and provide a legacy for the governing AK Party. Turkish President Erdoğan said at its inauguration : “When a horse dies it leaves behind its saddle, when a man dies he leaves behind his works. We will be remembered for this. Turkish analyst Ziya Meral told The Times that “This is about cultural diplomacy and a vision of Turkey’s role in the world”. 

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Turkish Islamic Calligraphy Artwork

A Turkish woman has completed her late husband's Turkish Islamic Calligraphy artwork in a local mosque, which he left unfinished due to his sudden passing in the Söğütlü district of Sakarya.

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Bayt al-Qur’an al-Akbar Museum

Palembang, Indonesia A visitor looks at pages of the Qur’an that have been carved on to large panels of Tembesu wood at the Bayt al-Qur’an al-Akbar Museum.

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Turkey's Sarayburnu Mosque, unique exterior and architecture

Turkey's Sarayburnu Mosque overlooking the Black Sea stands out with its unique exterior and unparalleled architecture. The mosque's construction was completed in 29 years with a capacity of 4,500 worshippers in Turkey's northern Giresun province. The unique mosque was built using a special technique called "Kündekari", which is based on attaching parts together without using nails or glue, but by means of rods and mortise.

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Al-Quba mosque, after morning prayers in Madina

A child is seen playing with pigeons in the ground of Al-Quba mosque, after morning prayers in Madina, Saudi Arabia.

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"Tarawih" on Laylat al-Qadr or Night of Decree, at Suleymaniye mosque

Muslims take part in evening prayers called "Tarawih" on Laylat al-Qadr or Night of Decree, at Suleymaniye mosque during the holy month of Ramadan in Istanbul, Turkey.

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The magnificent Blue Mosque during Ramadan

People break their fast at Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, Turkey.  

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First day of Ramadan at Istiqlal mosque in Jakarta

Indonesian Muslims pray at the first day of Ramadan at Istiqlal mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia.  

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Aerial view of a new mosque complex in Turkey

Aerial view of a new mosque complex hosting a meal centre, 60 bazaars, Turkish baths and handicraft facilities, scheduled to open at the beginning of Eid al-Fitr.

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The peloton rides past a mosque near Sultan Qaboos University

The peloton rides past a mosque near Sultan Qaboos University during the second stage of the 2018 cycling Tour of Oman, from Sultan Qaboos University to al-Bustan.

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Landmark Selimiye Mosque wrapped in fog

The 16th century Selimiye Mosque, a marvel of Turkish-Islamic architecture, shrouded in fog produced by cold after rain clouds scattered.