Take a look at these beautiful ancient mosques around the world. These places work like time capsules, taking you back in time to enchanted lands and fragrant tales!
Al Haram Mosque, Saudi Arabia
The most famous mosque in the world, Masjid Al Haram in Mecca is also known as the Grand Mosque.
The mosque surrounds the most sacred site of Islam–Kaaba, the establishment of which dates back to 2130 BCE.
Kaaba
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, Saudi Arabia
The second mosque built in the history of Islam, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is also known as the Prophet’s Mosque. Built in 622 CE, it is the second holiest site in Islam.
Night View (by Wajahat Mahmood)
Masjid al Qiblatain, Saudi Arabia
With Masjid al-Qiblatain, built in 623 CE, the list of three earliest mosques in the world is complete. Situated in the holy city of Medina, this mosque is also known as the Mosque of Two Qiblas and makes for the most important pilgrimage sites in Islam.
Two Qibla Mosque
Mosque of Uqba, Tunisia
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Grand Mosque of Kairouan was built by Uqba ibn Nafi in 670 AD. The mosque is a masterpiece of Islamic arts and has a massive square minaret which is its most striking feature.
View from the Minaret
Masjid al-Kufa, Iraq
The Great Mosque of Kufa was built in the 7th century and holds a place of prominence in Islamic history and culture. The mosque is ornately decorated with rubies, gold, silver and other precious stones.
Cloudy Day (by Ali Alturaihi)
Imam Husayn Shrine, Iraq
Built in 680 CE, Imam Husayn Shrine and Mosque is a renowned pilgrimage site in the city of Karbala, Iraq.
The mosque also is the burial site of Husayn Ibn Ali, the third Imam of Shia Islam. This site is one of the most spectacular ancient mosques around the world.
Ariel View (by SFC Larry E. Johns, USA)
Al Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem
The ornately domed Al Aqsa Mosque sits on Temple Mount, along with the Dome of Rock–the holiest site in Judaism. The mosque is part of al-Haram ash-Sharif or the Sacred Noble Sanctuary in the holy city of Jerusalem. Built in 705 CE, the mosque has stained glass windows and intricate wood carvings.
City View
Cheraman Juma Masjid, Kerala
The Cheraman Juma Masjid is the first mosque to be built in India. Built in 629 AD by Malik Ibn Dinar, the mosque is located in Thrissur District of Kerala. There is an ancient oil lamp in the mosque which is said to be a thousand years old!
Peaceful (by Shahinmusthafa)
Badshahi Mosque, Lahore
The second largest mosque in South Asia, Badshahi Mosque was built in 1673 on orders of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The beautiful mosque has a red sandstone facade and is similar in structure to Jama Masjid in New Delhi.
Beautiful Hues (by Waqas Mustafeez)
Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan, Cairo
Situated near the Citadel in Cairo, the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan was constructed in 1356 CE. The mosque was widely praised for its sheer size and use of innovative architectural styles. The mosque was designed to accommodate all four schools of thought of Islam.
Standing Tall (by Mohammed Moussa)
The splendour, aura and magnificence of these ancient mosques around the world will leave you spellbound. Make a trip and let us know of your experience!
