Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

“Architecture is about experience, not only visual but also what you can touch, what you can feel” – Ma Yansong.

To mark the thirtieth of reign of Sultan Qaboos, a breath-taking work of architecture was given as a gift. The spectacular grand mosque was constructed, blends various artistic traditions and styles of the region.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is one of attractions in Muscat that I recommend the most to visit. Regardless what you believe, the architecture of the mosque is worth a visit. Since its location is a bit far from Mutrah neighborhood, and it was not passed by the Hop On Hop Off bus, taxi was the only option I had to take me there. Do not worry to get lost, since most of taxi driver know where this grand mosque is located.

Situated on the Sultan Qaboos highway, this grand mosque is definitely a premiere tourist attraction in Muscat. It is considered as one of the most beautiful modern mosques in the world and the only mosque in Oman where non-Muslims are allowed to visit. The mosque itself was opened in 2001 after having construction process for six years. It blends several style of architectures, such as: Islamic, Middle Eastern, Omani and Persian. Considered as the largest mosque in Oman, the mosque can accommodate twenty thousands worshippers all at once.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.

The mosque was recorded to have the largest carpet and chandelier in the world, until the Emiratis and Qatari’s came over to measure the interior to break the records in their countries. However, the mosque remains impressive. The chandelier located in the center of men’s prayer measures 14 meters and holds 600 thousands Swarovski crystals and 24 carat gold plating. The carpet has its own achievement. It took around 600 Iranian women to make, and four years to complete. It is still known as the second largest hand-woven rug in the world.

The Men’s Prayer Room with the largest chandelier in the world.

One of the columns inside the prayer room.

The large carpet covering the men’s prayer room.

The chandelier and the dome with beautiful pattern.

The largest chandelier in the world.

Beautiful pattern decorating the dome.

Beautiful colorful mosaic at the mihrab (prayer direction)

Another delightful mosaic pattern

Another delightful mosaic pattern

Another chandelier at women’s prayer room.

I can’t stop to snap the chandelier. They are everywhere.

One of the windows

Even if you are not intended to come to the prayer hall, walking on the corridor is interesting experience. There are plenty more to see. The corridor features a variety of mosaics, artworks with unique design styles uses.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.

The corridor of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

The mosque itself is surrounded by beautiful garden. It shows one of five minarets. Five represents the pillars of Islam.

Beautiful garden at Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.

The door of the mosque

The corridor of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

The corridor of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

The corridor of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

The corridor of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

The corridor of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

No entrance fee is required. However, visitors are expected to dress modestly during the visit. Men should wear the long pants, and women are required to cover their hair, shoulders and arms. The robes are available for all visitors. The mosque is opened from Saturday to Thursday from 8 am to 11 am. They still accept visitors coming on Friday. But my advice, if you are not intended to come for prayer, better avoid to come on this day since the prayer hall will be closed earlier.

This week, Amy challenged us to show some stories of Architecture. Kindly visit her page to see the rule of challenge.

 

Category : Middle East, muscat, Sultanate of Oman, Uncategorized
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