Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Overview
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a monumental structure located in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. It is one of the largest mosques in the world, and a key place of worship for daily prayers, Friday gathering, and Eid prayers. The mosque was constructed between 1996 and 2007 and was designed to symbolize the cultural diversity of the Islamic world.
Architecture
The architecture of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a blend of Moroccan and traditional Turkish designs, with many elements inspired by other mosques such as the Badshahi Mosque in Pakistan and the Hassan II Mosque in Morocco. The mosque features 82 domes of Moroccan design, and its 1,096 exterior columns are also Moroccan inspired. The mosque's design also includes aspects of Mughal architecture, reminiscent of the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore.
Interior
The interior of the mosque is a testament to the Islamic tradition of intricate decoration. The main prayer hall houses the world's largest hand-knotted carpet, crafted by artisans from Iran. The mosque also boasts seven imported crystal chandeliers from Germany, incorporating millions of Swarovski crystals. The main prayer hall is also home to one of the world's largest chandeliers, measuring 10 meters in diameter, 15 meters in height, and weighing over 12 tons.
Construction
The construction of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was a massive undertaking that involved more than 3,000 workers and 38 contracting companies from around the world. The mosque was built using materials sourced from many different countries, including Italy, Germany, Morocco, India, Turkey, Iran, China, Greece, and the United Arab Emirates. The construction process took over a decade to complete, with the mosque finally opening to the public in 2007.
Significance
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is more than just a place of worship; it serves as a cultural and educational hub, promoting understanding and tolerance between faiths. The mosque is open to visitors of all faiths, and guided tours are available to educate visitors about Islamic culture and the architectural features of the mosque.