30 Days of Gratefulness-Ramadan Part 22 Architecture of a Mosque Pt I

I do not claim to have visited many mosques, however the ones that I have passed while walking the streets of any Middle Eastern city during my jaunts, and the ones I was lucky enough to enter, seem to own common architectural elements that are strikingly beautiful in design.

Zayed Grand Mosque Minarets, Abu Dhabi, UAE: f/10; 1/250sec; ISO-100

Zayed Grand Mosque Minarets, Abu Dhabi, UAE: f/10; 1/250sec; ISO-100

And its not just in the Middle East that mosques are built. Whether Sydney, Paris or Singapore, mosques big and small, grand and humble, are erected by the local Muslim community in the name of praising Allah. All of these mosques may not share the same design, but they do contain common features.  These common parts are practical, and provide both consonance and a sense of heritage among Muslims worldwide.

Zayed Grand Mosque Archways, Abu Dhabi, UAE: f/9; 1/320sec; ISO-100

Zayed Grand Mosque Archways, Abu Dhabi, UAE: f/9; 1/320sec; ISO-100

The first element of a mosque that strikes one’s senses is the minaret. Whether auditory or visual, you know a mosque approaches. Standing out in the city’s skyline, by design, these slim towers rise above a mosque, and it is from here that the adhan, or call to prayer, is called. Early mosques were not built with minarets; the adhan was simply called from any high point near the mosque. Nowadays, microphones and speakers are often used to project the Islamic call to prayer, but minarets remain a common element in Islamic mosque architecture throughout the world.

Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque has four minarets attached to the four corners of its courtyard, each rising 107 metres (351 ft) in height.

Zayed Grand Mosque Domes, Abu Dhabi, UAE: f/10; 1/400sec; ISO-100

Zayed Grand Mosque Domes, Abu Dhabi, UAE: f/10; 1/400sec; ISO-100

Next, the decorated domed rooftops of any mosque are arresting, particularly those in the Middle East. This architectural element holds no spiritual or symbolic significance, and is purely aesthetic. It is the interior of a dome that is usually highly decorated with floral, geometric and other patterns.

I was momentarily blinded when the snow white domes of Zayed Grand mosque, mid morning sun striking their curvature, petitioning me to squint. Then I lost count: 82 domes of 7 different sizes, golden spires atop each one…

Zayed Grand Mosque Prayer Hall, Abu Dhabi, UAE: f/3.5; 1/20sec; ISO-100

Zayed Grand Mosque Prayer Hall, Abu Dhabi, UAE: f/3.5; 1/20sec; ISO-100

Could it get more spectacular than this? Gingerly I entered the main hall of Zayed Grand Mosque. Awestruck. I was taken immediately. The central area for prayer is called a musalla (literally, “place for prayer”). No furniture is required as worshippers sit, kneel, and bow directly on the carpeted floor. There may be a few benches to assist elderly or disabled worshippers, and along the walls and pillars of the prayer hall are bookshelves to hold copies of the Qur’an. But beyond this, the prayer hall is otherwise a large, open space.

Zayed Grand Mosque Qibla Wall, Abu Dhabi: f/4; 1/60sec; ISO-400

Zayed Grand Mosque Qibla Wall, Abu Dhabi: f/4; 1/60sec; ISO-400

Above my head, each dome is decorated with inspired design and enhanced by three calligraphy styles – Naskhi, Thuloth and Kufi; the 99 names of Allah featuring along the mosque’s glorious internal Qibla wall in traditional Kufi calligraphy. Fibre-optic lighting integrating with the wall’s organic design leaves me quietly kneeling in contemplation.

Contrived so delicately and exalted in execution, the architecture of a grand mosque is something to praise. Glory be.

 

 

 

About Alice

I run, I jump, I sing, I dance. Whether climbing trees, walls or stairs I do it at a clip. When out, my date is always Trusty Nikon (who never lets me down in the attire stakes; so smart in his black, with a pop of red!). Where does it lead, this love affair of mine? Well, its lead me to Dubai, via the matrimonial aisle, thanks to a gorgeous husband who whisked me from Coogee beach, Sydney into the Arabian Peninsula - to my new home, Dubai. I am a freelance writer and photographer and my wish is to snap away, to scribe and to share it all with you. Enjoy.
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