15 Architectural Wonders of the Islamic World
We have been given architectural treasures by the Islamic world as testaments to creativity, devotion, and craftsmanship. Across continents, these served as structures of religious significance, as well as an artistic and cultural brilliance of their time. They talk about empires, spiritual journeys, and the human urge to leave something behind.
The Islamic world is a visual feast of delectable crumbs of architecture from intricate geometric patterns to awe-inspiring domes and minarets. Let’s take a look at 15 architectural wonders that still fascinate travelers and historians alike.
The Great Mosque of Mecca
In Islam, the Great Mosque of Mecca, or Masjid al Haram, is the holiest site. The Kaaba, a cube-shaped structure at the heart of Muslim worship, is surrounded by it. Over centuries, the mosque expanded, and can today accommodate up to two million worshippers during the Hajj pilgrimage. White marble floors and finely worked arches, reminiscent of the spiritual concentration of the place prevail.
Alhambra in Spain
The Alhambra is a palace and fortress in Granada, and it is a hub of Islamic architecture and at the same time a melding of that style with nature. The stucco walls of its delicate, lovingly prepared, and decorated inscription (Arabic) with floral motifs are breathtaking. A masterpiece of engineering hydrology and artistic precision, the Court of the Lions with its central fountain supported by twelve marble lions, is captivating.
The Blue Mosque in Istanbul
Known in such grand terms as the Blue Mosque, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque is a jewel of Istanbul’s skyline. Its six minarets and cascading domes are built during the early 17th century. Blue tiles hung from ceilings, covering every inch of interiors in over 20,000 hand-painted blue tiles, bathing the area in an ethereal glow as the sun peaked through its new windows.
Taj Mahal in India
Interestingly enough, still one of the crown jewels of Islamic architecture, the Taj Mahal was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan, as a tribute to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is constructed from white marble shimmering and inlaid with precious stones. This romantic vision took two decades to bring to life, and over 20,000 artisans worked to make it happen, historians say.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
A fusion of the traditional and the brand new, this is a modern wonder in Abu Dhabi. It has mosaic-tilled courtyards, 24k gold-plated chandeliers, and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet. Gracing the mosque are reflection pools meant to be serene which, of course, make their appearance more noteworthy under the night sky.
Hassan II Mosque
Close to the Atlantic coast of Casablanca, Morocco, the Hassan II Mosque is a modern architectural treat. A beacon for miles, its minaret is the tallest in the world, at 689 feet. The worshippers can pray with its glass floor that symbolises unity with nature by letting them be able to see the sea under which their praying.
Dome of the Rock
The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem is one of Islam’s oldest architectural windows, built in 691 CE. It is known for its striking gold-plated dome and intricate tilework. The Foundation Stone is housed in the structure, a site of great spiritual meaning to both Muslims and Jews.
Shah Mosque in Iran
Persian artistry is seen in the Shah Mosque in Isfahan. In another, its towering entrance portal is covered in blue and turquoise tiles while disparities market an inner sanctuary through which prayers said aloud are said to be amplified in a unique way. This mosque is so beautiful and serene that it besets admirers from all around the globe.
Samarra Minaret
The Samarra minaret, also known as the spiral minaret is a Great Mosque of Samarra in Iraq and a rare architectural wonder. As tall as 170 feet, its corkscrew design enabled the muezzin to climb to the top of the minaret and call for prayers. It’s a remarkable demonstration of early Islamic architectural ingenuity.
Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar in Delhi is quite simply a towering monument to Islamic India in South Asia. At 240 feet, this red sandstone minaret is washed with inscriptions and intricate carvings. It was built in the 12th Century, and remains one of the world’s tallest brick minarets.
The Alcázar of Seville
Mudéjar architecture is splendid here, combining Islamic and Christian styles: the Alcázar of Seville in Spain. It was originally a Muslim fortress but stunning courtyards, elaborate tilework, and lush gardens are shared. A living reminder of Spain’s multicultural history.
Suleymaniye Mosque
The Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul is majestic and underplayed, designed by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. Finished in 1558, its sprawling dome and finely wrought insides mirror a fundamental theology of theology and balance.
Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum
This mausoleum houses the tombs of Timurids and is located in Kazakhstan being an early example of Timurid architecture. The 14th Century structure has one of the largest domes in Central Asia. The structure is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its historical and cultural value.
Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Bibi Khanym Mosque in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, once one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world, is a monument to Emperor Timur’s ambition. Its grand portals and domes were partially ruined, but you can see them, they offer a glimpse into what this place was once.
Kairouan Mosque
Tunisia’s Great Mosque of Kairouan is one of the oldest and most influential of the early Islamic world. Its square minaret and vast courtyard have inspired Islamic architecture for centuries and its design is one that has endured for time immemorial.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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