The Arabian Peninsula is known for its beautiful mosques, where the traditional Islamic style is enhanced by modern architecture and vice versa. These mosques are not only used as places of worship but also represent faith, culture, and social life. Conventional designs of mosques within the Arabian Peninsula are characterized by the presence of domes, minarets, and arches along with elaborate geometric patterns, calligraphy, and arabesque designs. These characteristics embody the Islamic culture of beauty and aesthetics, which encourages the design towards contemplation and self-reflection.
With the advent of contemporary architectural trends, especially the Neo-Futurist, modern materials, sustainable practices, and new technologies have been embraced while still maintaining the traditional motifs of Islamic architecture. This dichotomy of historical respect and modern advancement is indicative of mosque architecture development and has its counterpart in the rapid expansion of Arabian cities.
In the present day, mosques of the Arabian Peninsula are no longer solely places of worship; they serve also as community and educational centers and places for charitable activities. These mosques adapt to the changing world such that they are designed and built according to Islamic principles, and they are also modern and functional to their respective societies.
Here are ten famous mosques in the Arabian Peninsula depicting both the traditional architecture and the modern architecture:
Masjid al-Haram
Location: Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Year: 638
Masjid al-Haram is the biggest mosque in the world, capable of accommodating millions of worshipers, particularly during the Hajj period. In the middle of it, there is the Holy Kaaba, uniting Muslims globally. The mosque has marble floors, a large courtyard, and multiple towering minarets with Islamic motifs. The mosque is unique, blending aspects of the ancient and modern world, where Islamic calligraphy, arches, and domes are found with sophisticated cooling systems and a retractable roof. As the most sacred place in Islam, Masjid al-Haram serves as the primary destination for Islamic pilgrims. It stands for unity, peace, and submission to Allah, making it a holy place for believers of Islam all over the world.
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi
Location: Medina, Saudi Arabia
Year: 1817
Medina houses the mosque, which was originally built by the Prophet Muhammad and has undergone major expansions ever since; notable ones were done by the Ottoman Empire. Best known for its famous green dome, the mosque features stunning Ottoman-style arches, exquisite mosaics, and modern retractable domes. The massive courtyard and prayer halls are fitted with the latest technology to hold millions of visitors. In Islam, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is the second most important location after the Kaaba and thus serves not only as a religious pilgrimage but also as an epistemological center of the Islamic religion. This is a calm environment where Muslims center themselves to think about the life of the Prophet and the lessons he taught.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Location: Muscat, Oman
Year: 2001
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is mostly known for its huge dome, beautiful mosaic works inside the mosque, and a hand-made Persian carpet, which is one of the biggest in the world, designed by hundreds of craftsmen. Its interiors are decorated with Islamic writings and Quranic verses, while the combination of Islamic and Omani architecture represents the Omanic culture. Its chandelier is full of stylish Swarovski crystals, which fits well with this magnificence. It also serves as a tribute to Oman’s splendid history, architecture, and Islamic devotion. It is open to tourists who are not Muslims, thus encouraging interaction between cultures and enabling an appreciation of diversity that appreciates Islamic traditions.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Year: 2007
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque boasts 82 white marble domes with gold-tipped minarets and is one of the best examples of modern Islamic architecture. The design features elements from Mughal, Moorish, and Persian architectures. Also, it has reflective pools, ornate floral designs in the form of mosaics, and one of the world’s largest chandeliers. Additional stunning features include the prayer hall that is decorated with floral patterns and natural materials. It acts as a barrier-free zone offering undisturbed access to people regardless of their race or religion as a source of peace and unity, promoting cultural unity and the acceptance values of Abu Dhabi in particular.
Jumeirah Mosque
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Year: 1979
Jumeirah Mosque, constructed in the traditional Fatimid architectural style of Dubai, is recognized for its twin minarets, the sandstone structure, and the intricately designed arches. The exterior is quite simple and symmetrical, underscored by soft light that enhances its serene beauty, especially in the evenings. The design of the mosque focuses on light, openness, and cleanness, with the lines and proportions being consistent with Islamic architecture. Jumeirah Mosque is among the most photographed places in Dubai and serves as a lighthouse of hope across cultures. Unlike many places of worship, it is open to non-Muslims, and its ‘Open Doors, Open Minds’ initiative encourages people to come in and learn about Islamic practices and teachings.
Imam Ali Mosque
Location: Najaf, Iraq
Year: 977
The mosque of Imam Ali in Najaf is an awesome fusion of Persian and Ottoman architectural styles. The exterior of the mosque is eye-catching owing to its gold-plated dome and minarets, which are surrounded by beautiful calligraphy and mosaics. In contrast, shrine halls are decorated with numerous mirrors and ornamental tiles, imparting a sense of spiritual grandeur and warmth, though divine. Since Ali ibn Abi Talib is buried here, the mosque ranks among the most sacred places for the Shia Muslims. Nonetheless, it pulls millions each year as a holy place dedicated to Imam Ali for his worship and a reminder of his inspirational part in the history of Islam.
Al-Fateh Grand Mosque
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Year: 1988
Al-Fateh Mosque in Bahrain, with its iconic dome made of fiberglass, is one of the largest mosques located in the world. The interior of the mosque is furnished with colorful stained glass, shining marble ground, and Arabic calligraphy that decorate the large area of the prayer hall. The contemporary architecture fuses national Bahraini artistry and modern-day architecture in this mosque. Al-Fateh Mosque is not only a place of worship but also one of the key cultural centers of Bahrain, where various activities, religious classes, and tours for the citizens are organized. It underlines the significance of Islam in Bahraini life, emphasizing the rich heritage of Bahrain.
Great Mosque of Sana’a
Location: Sana’a, Yemen
Year: 715 AD
The Great Mosque of Sana’a is considered one of the first mosques in Yemen and also in the Arabian Peninsula for the presence of distinctive Yemeni adobe structures with Turkish elements. The high minarets, wooden ceilings with carvings, and the Qur’anic inscriptions depict an old architectural style. The introduction of Turkish design features during Ottoman repairs of the building in the 16th century added other historical layers to the structure. This mosque has forever remained a testimony of Islam in Yemen and an architectural proof of the importance of the city of Sana’a. It is also a very special site, culturally and religiously inclusive, preserving different aspects of Yemeni and Islamic cultures over the years.
Grand Mosque of Kuwait
Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait
Year: 1986
Designed by Mohamed Saleh Makiya, the Grand Mosque of Kuwait incorporates Islamic geometric patterns, extensive halls, and lots of traditional Kuwaiti elements. The mosque has a great dome and courtyards in the style of Andalusia, and this enhances the architectural and regional authenticity of the mosque. The central prayer hall and the surrounding spaces exhibit decorative tiles and Islamic calligraphy. Being the largest mosque in Kuwait, it provides a meeting ground for both worship and cultural activities. The design reflects Kuwaiti identity and is a clear expression of its national pride since it accommodates spiritual needs, while also hosting educational and religious programs.
Al-Rajhi Grand Mosque
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Year: 2004
In Riyadh, the Al-Rajhi Grand Mosque features large prayer halls, huge domes, and tall and exquisitely designed minarets. The interior of the mosque is an architectural masterpiece that incorporates traditional Islamic designs with the application of modern lighting and cooling systems for aesthetic and comfort purposes. It was conceived to be functional and grand, exemplary in contemporary mosque architecture, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Besides being a place of worship, the Al-Rajhi Grand Mosque aims to provide services to the community, such as offering outreach programs and religious classes. It portrays the concept of mosques in Saudi Arabia, contributing to social welfare and religious education.
