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Your Favorite Mosques

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  Quote Mila Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Your Favorite Mosques
    Posted: 06-Dec-2005 at 20:36
your favorite MOSQUES


Share some photographs and information about your favorite mosques. Try to focus on mosques from your own country so that we get to see and learn about some of the most beautiful Islamic buildings from around the world. If not, we'll end up having 10,000 photographs and paragraphs dedicated to Mecca and the Golden Horn - but feel free to choose from mosques outside your country if you try your hardest not to detail a mosque already chosen by someone else!

Please, do not post if you cannot provide some basic information about the mosque and a photograph. We've already had threads where we've mentioned the name of mosques, or posted a photograph of a mosque - so in this thread, lets try to go into a little more detail!


Hadzi-Alija MOSQUE



The Hadzi-Alija Mosque was built in 1562 in the village of Pocitelj, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Pocitelj was an important fortress and, by all accounts, a thriving community at the time and so a significant amount of resources were expended to ensure it had a mosque of superior quality to anything a settlement of its size and isolation would normally have.

The mosque was built quite narrow and very tall compared to mosques from the same era elsewhere in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is because Pocitelj is built into a steep and rocky mountainside and in order to give the building the size and stature it needed to be worthy of its purpose, the architects were forced to build upwards.



The Turkish writer Evliya Celebi passed through Pocitelj in 1664 and wrote in his travel account about the town's principal mosque:

"There is a tall cypress tree in its courtyard. This shining mosque was erected by a forebear of our lord Ibrahim Aga. Alongside the town walls, beside the water, his honored brother built a public kitchen (imaret) which distributes free bread and soup to needy inhabitants day and night. On Thursday evenings, it distributes spiced meat and savory and sweet rice dishes. The houses of the town are built one above the other, facing west towards the river. There is an abundance of walnut trees here. Since the climate is mild, fruit grows better here than in other towns."

Evliya also mentions a clock tower, which he thought had a bell "heavier and clearer than any other in Bosnia and Herzegovina" and was, according to legend, brought from Crete.

When the bell tolled the hours for Pocitelj in calm weather, it could be heard as far away as the towns of Capljina and Gabela, probably resounded from the stone into that far distance.

Of course the mosque was completely destroyed during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.



Today, the Hadzi-Alija Mosque has been rebuilt and is the centre of community life in Pocitelj. The village is home to roughly 200 people, two thirds of its pre-war population. During the days of Yugoslavia, Pocitelj hosted an important art colony in which more than 2,000 artists from across Europe participated. This art colony was re-opened in 1999 and Pocitelj is one again and thriving settlement, even as it rebuilds.


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  Quote Mila Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06-Dec-2005 at 21:03
careva MOSQUE



In 1461, a man named Isa-bey Isakovic looked out across the Miljacka River Valley and decided he would found a city in that gentle, and beautiful place - a city that would grow to be so magnificent, none would be its equal.

So he chose to build his palace (saray) in that valley (ovasi) and for more than 30 years kept adding magnificent new buildings and architectural wonders, caring for his sarayovasi as though it were a beloved child. In addition to building a bridge across the Miljacka River, he constructed a hotel for travellers, numerous shops for tradesmen, private homes for settlers, and a magnificent mosque.

This mosque, the first in the whole of the Miljacka River Valley, he named in honor of the Sultan Suleiman I of the Ottoman Empire and as his sarayovasi grew into the city of Sarajevo, every stage in its development was witnessed by the mosque, its minaret standing strong across the duration of the Ottoman Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Yugoslavia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.



As the oldest mosque in Sarajevo, the Careva Mosque holds a special place in the hearts of Bosniaks. While it may not be as large as the Gazi Husref-bey's Mosque, or as elegantly beautiful as the Ferhadija Mosque, or even as fantastically adorned as the Alipasina Mosque - it is the oldest and it was the very beating heart that grew the sarayovasi settlement into the city of Sarajevo.


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  Quote sdavidr Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06-Dec-2005 at 22:39
One of the famous Andalusi mosques : Aljama Mosque or "la Mezquita de Cordoba"

Source: Wikipedia
Old drawings : Universidad de Navarra

The construction of the Mezquita (originally the Aljama Mosque) lasted for over two centuries, starting in 784 A.D. under the supervision of the emir of Cordoba, Abd ar-Rahman I, who used it as his palace and named it after his wife. The Mosque underwent numerous subsequent changes: Abd ar-Rahman III ordered a new minaret, while Al-Hakam II, in 961, enlarged the plan of the building and enriched the mihrab. For unknown reasons, the Mihrab does not point towards Mecca (as it does in every other mosque). The last of the reforms was carried out by Al-Mansur Ibn Abi Aamir in 987.

The most significant alteration was the construction of a Renaissance cathedral nave in the middle of the structure.

Artisans and architects continued to add to the existing structure until the late 18th century.

Muhammad Iqbal was the first Muslim to pray in the Mezquita after its closure for Islam.


Old drawings





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  Quote Cyrus Shahmiri Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07-Dec-2005 at 05:21

There are many historical mosques in Iran

Nasir-al-Molk Mosque in Shiraz:

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  Quote sedamoun Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07-Dec-2005 at 05:53

The Stockholm Mosque

The Hassan II mosque in Casablance, by the water

 

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  Quote Jhangora Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07-Dec-2005 at 07:11

JAMA MASJID {OLD DELHI}

 

Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid, DelhiJama Masjid of Delhi is the largest mosque in India. The Jama Masjid stands across the road in front of the Red Fort. Built between 1644 and 1658, Jama Masjid is one of the last architectural works of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The spacious courtyard of the Jama Masjid holds thousands of faithful. Jama Masjid is located on a mound in the heart of the old city and projects beautifully into the Old-Delhi skyline. Jama Masjid Mosque was built in red sandstone and marble by more than 5000 artisans. Originally called the Masjid-i-Jahan-Numa, or "mosque commanding view of the world", the Jama Masjid stands at the center of the erstwhile capital city of the Mughals, Shahjahanbad.

The Jama Masjid was completed under the supervision of Saadullah Khan, the Prime Minister of Shah Jahan. A sum of Rs 10 lakhs was spent on the construction of the Jama Masjid. The Jama Masjid is built on a red sandstone porch, about 30 feet (10 m) from the level of the ground and is about 1400 square yards (1200 m昌) in extent. The Jama Masjid has three gateways, four towers and two minarets. The gateways in the north and south are led by a fleet of steps. The main entrance is on the eastern side facing the red fort. It was probably used by the emperors. The tower of the Jama Masjid is made up of five distinctive storeys. Each one of the storeys has a projecting balcony. The adjoining edifices are beautifully done with calligraphy.

The first three storeys of the Jama Masjid tower are made of red sandstone and the fourth one is made of marble, while the fifth is made of sandstone. The Jama Masjid is covered with intricate carvings and has verses inscribed from the holy Koran. The grand Red fort (Lal Qila) stands on the eastern side of the Jama Masjid. The main prayer hall of the Jama Masjid is made up of high cusped arches and marble domes. The cabinet in the north gate of the Jama Masjid contains a collection of Muhammad's relics - the Koran written on deerskin, a red beard-hair of the prophet, his sandals and his footprints, implanted in a marble block.

http://www.culturalindia.net/monuments/jama-masjid.html



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  Quote DayI Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07-Dec-2005 at 07:15
woohow!!
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  Quote Beylerbeyi Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07-Dec-2005 at 14:14

Suleymaniye

interior

Sultan Ahmed (a.k.a. Blue Mosque)

interior

Suleymaniye is 16th century, and Sultan Ahmed is early 17th century classical style Ottoman mosques. The first is by Sinan, the second is by Sedefkar Mehmed Aga, of Sinan school. Both mosques are in Istanbul.

Yeni Cami (New Mosque)

is also one of my favourites because of its location. 17th century, in Eminonu, Istanbul.



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  Quote Hamoudeh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07-Dec-2005 at 17:23

From the ones that I have seen, it would be Masjid al-Azra  (the Blue Mosque of Sultan Cemi) in Istanbul Turkey, the Ummawiyy Jama`a l-Kabeer (Great Ummayad Mosque in Damascus in Syria and an astonishing mosque in Aleppo Syria that I shamefully can't remember the name of. Pictures will follow soon insha'allah.

Ma`salam

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  Quote Afghanan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07-Dec-2005 at 18:17
All these mosques are so beautiful. 
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  Quote Mila Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07-Dec-2005 at 20:37
gazi husref bey's MOSQUE



Gazi Husrev-beg's mosque (1530/31) is the most significant Islamic building in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and is distinguished by its architectural values, varied base, multi dome system and courageously constructive solution from all other sub-dome mosques built in this country. The prayer area of Gazi Husrev-beg's mosque is covered by a dome (13 m span and 26 m height), whilst the side extensions are covered by small domes. These extensions are called tetims and have separate entrances, and were used for giving shelter to the travelling dervish orders. The alter (mihrab) is covered by a semi-dome.

The architect was Persian, Adem Esir Ali, the main architect of the Ottoman Empire at that time. In the construction of this mosque he applied the early Istanbul style that gives a recognizable mark to the whole achievement. Stone plastic and stalactite ornaments are an integral part of the universal values of the mosque. The arabesque was destroyed after the descent of the Eugen Savojski (1697). It was restored in 1762, but burned down in 1879, and was restored again in 1886.

Gazi Husrev-beg's mosque including the fountain (adrvan), Moslem primary school (mekteb), the room for ritual washing (abdesthana), domed burial sites (turbeti), Gazi Husrev-beg's and Murad-beg Tardi's harem, abode for the prayer caller (muvekithana), minaret 45 m high and tower-clock, dominates the market-place and makes its central and largest complex.

With its presence through the ages this complex affected the construction activities of the surrounding areas, streets and wards (mahalas). Extensive restoration works have been executed from 1995 to 1997 since the mosque was damaged during the war 1992/95.


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  Quote amir khan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07-Dec-2005 at 22:06

 

Badshahi Mosque- Lahore, Pakistan

Style - Mughal architecture

Built in 1674 by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir in his favoured city of Lahore, It is based on the Jamia mosque of Delhi built by his father Shah Jehan. If the father was a passionate lover(Taj Mahal), then the son was a passionate believer, and the Badshahi Mosque was his Taj Mahal.

It stands on the banks of the River Ravi near Lahore Fort, and the complex, together with the Shalimar gardens (410 fountains) repersents the peak of mughal architecture in Pakistan.

It was once the largest mosque in the world (capacity-60,000), and is still the 2nd largest in the subcontinent.

It has a museum housing relics of the Prophet(pbuh), his daughter and Hazrat Ali.

Badshahi mosque- river view

Elevated Dome View

Badshahi Mosque Arch Detail

Badshahi Mosque-Lahore (Arabian Nights View)

 

Shah Faisal Mosque-Islamabad, Pakistan

Style- Modern Islamic

Built in 1986, and designed by Turkish architect- Vedat Dalokay, the mosque is among the largest in the world (capacity 100,000), and largest in the subcontinent.

The design is based on a traditional  Arabian Tent and Turkish style minarets. The mosque complex layout is also influenced by Ottoman style.

The minaret proportions correspond to the Kaaba. In the architects own words "I tried to capture the spirit, proportion and geometry of the Kaaba in a purely abstract form. Imagine the apex of the four minarets as a scaled explosion of the four higest corners of the Kaaba. Thus an unseen Kaaba is bounded by the four minarets in a pproportion of height to base akin to Kaaba. If you join the apex of each minaret to the base of the minaret diagonally opposite to it correspondingly, a four sided pyramid shall be bound by these lines at the  base side within that invisible cube. That lower level pyramid is treated as a solid body, while the four minarets with their apex complete the imaginary cube of the Kaaba."

 

Shah Faisal mosque- Islamabad, Pakistan

 

 

 

------------------------------------------------------------ -----------

As a world citizen, my favourite mosque architecture is

        1- Masjid Sulemaniye(Sinans masterpiece)- Istanbul,Turkey

        2- Al-aqsa-Jerusalem

        3-Badshahi mosque-Lahore,Pakistan

        4-Mesquita-cordova,Spain

        5-Kul sharif-Kazan,Russia

Others are above, largest(apparently) mosque in Europe, Kul Sharif is below

 

 

 



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  Quote amir khan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08-Dec-2005 at 03:32

 

The mezquita pictures are awesome!

I love those Horseshoe shaped arches and the corinthian type columns.

The overall structure reminds me a little of synagogues I have seen in central europe. Mudejar/shepardic influences?

Other amazing mosques are the great mosque of Damascus, and the Friday mosque of Isfahan, which has an amazing  mihrab.

 

Carved Mihrab of Friday Mosque-Isfahan

 



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  Quote Hamoudeh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08-Dec-2005 at 13:06

pictures of the Masjidu l-Azra, the blue mosque of Sultan Ahmad Cami in Istanbul:

On the left, the last 2 pictures I took when I was travelling through Turkey.

Ma`salam

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  Quote Afghanan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08-Dec-2005 at 20:12

Although I love the mosques in my own country, this mosque is my all time favorite:

Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque - Brunei

 

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  Quote amir khan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09-Dec-2005 at 04:52

 

For the British Entry, I am sorry but the Saudi Financed Central London Mosque in Regents Rark is not particularly impressive, nor is East London Mosque, Whitechapel.

So In fairness to what can be achieved by dedication, I present to you the Shree Swaminara Hindu Temple of Neasden, North London.

Entirely carved in India, the 3000 tons of Italian Marble and Bulgarian Limestone was first transported there, then carved and brought to london piecemeal, and put together!

The swami says "such buildings are meant to raise the conciousness of civilization"

It was opened in 1995.

 

 

                            

 



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  Quote Cyrus Shahmiri Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09-Dec-2005 at 06:39

The Jewel of All Mosques:

Shah Cheragh (The king of Light) Mosque in Shiraz, 12th century, Salghurid period

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  Quote Beylerbeyi Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09-Dec-2005 at 12:06

Hamoudeh,

last mosque in your last picture is not the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet), it is Suleymaniye. See my post above.

Others are above, largest(apparently) mosque in Europe, Kul Sharif is below

Both Suleymaniye and Sultanahmet are in Europe as well, along with some others in Turkey, such as Sinan's masterpiece Selimiye in Edirne. I am not sure how big Kul Sharif is (btw Kazan looks stunning in that photo), but Ottoman classical mosques are huge. I think Selimiye has the largest dome of them all.  

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  Quote amir khan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09-Dec-2005 at 12:42

 

Kul Sharif

Kul Sharif Interior

 

 

Originally posted by Beylerbeyi

Both Suleymaniye and Sultanahmet are in Europe as well, along with some others in Turkey, such as Sinan's masterpiece Selimiye in Edirne. I am not sure how big Kul Sharif is (btw Kazan looks stunning in that photo), but Ottoman classical mosques are huge. I think Selimiye has the largest dome of them all.  

 

I thaught the ottoman mosques were larger, which is why I showed my reservations in that post, but websites below seem to imply Kul Sharif is larger. I dont know, but its dimensions are given in the first link below. Perhaps someone can comment.

Incidently I saw an hour long program on BBC tv a while back about the suleymaniye which showed it in all its glory and complemented it as Sinans masterpiece. Now I hear there is another one in Edirne, how could they produce so many! One of those alone is amazing.

 Kudos to the Ottomans!

 

 

 

http://blogs.washingtonpost.com/russianchronicles/2005/10/ka zan_the_mosqu.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qolsharif_mosque

 

 



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  Quote amir khan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09-Dec-2005 at 13:35

 

A new mosque at london olympics site 2012 could be largest when it is built.

http://acage.org/news/?day=11272005&id=0003

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