Mosque Architecture Sheikh Zayed Mosque

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (Arabic :جامع الشيخ زايد الكبير) is located in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates.[1]

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was initiated by the late President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who is fondly thought of as the father of the UAE. His final resting place is located on the grounds beside the mosque.

As the country’s grand mosque, it is the key place of worship for Friday gathering and Eid prayers. It is the largest mosque in the UAE and numbers during Eid can be more than forty thousand people.[2]

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center (SZGMC) offices are located in the east minarets. SZGMC manages the day to day operations, as a place of worship and Friday gathering and also a center of learning and discovery through its educational cultural activities and visitor programs. Information and online visitor services are available through the website www.szgmc.ae.

The library, located in the north/east minaret, serves the community with classic books and publications addressing a range of Islamic subjects: sciences, civilization, calligraphy, the arts, coins and includes some rare publications dating back more than 200 years! In reflection of the diversity of the Islamic world and the United Arab Emirates, the collection comprises of material in a broad range of languages including Arabic, English, French, Italian, Spanish, German and Korean. The library is open everyday except Fridays and full information can be found at the official website (www.szgmc.ae)

Design
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque's design and construction 'unites the world', using artisans and materials from many countries including Italy, Germany, Morocco, India, Turkey, Malaysia, Iran, China, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Greece and of course the United Arab Emirates. More than 3,000 workers and 38 renowned contracting companies took part in the construction of the Mosque! Natural materials were chosen for much of its design and construction due to their long-lasting qualities, including marble, stone, gold, semi-precious stones, crystals and ceramics
Dimensions and Statistics
The Mosque is large enough to accommodate over 40,000 worshippers. The main prayer hall can accommodate over 7,000 worshippers. There are two smaller prayer halls, with a 1,500-capacity each, one of which is the female prayer hall. [5]

There are four minarets on the four corners of the courtyard which rise about 107 m (351 ft) in height. The courtyard with its floral design, measures about 17,000 m2 (180,000 sq ft),and is considered to be the largest example of marble mosaic in the world.[6]

SIVEC from Greece & Macedonia, used on the external cladding (a total of 115,119 square metres of cladding has been used on the Mosque, including the four minarets) • Lasa from Italy, used in the internal elevations • Makrana from India, used in the annexes and offices • Aquabiana and Biano from Italy • East White and Ming Green from China
Some key architectural features
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has many special and unique elements: The carpet in the main prayer hall is considered to be the world's largest carpet made by Iran's Carpet Company and designed by Iranian artist Ali Khaliqi.[8] This carpet measures 5,627 m2 (60,570 sq ft), and was made by around 1,200-1,300 female carpet knotters. The weight of this carpet is 35 ton and is predominantly made from wool (originating from New Zealand and Iran). There are 2,268,000,000 knots within the carpet and it took approximately two years to complete.[9]

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has seven imported chandeliers from Germany that incorporate millions of Swarovski crystals. The largest chandelier is the largest known chandelier inside a mosque and has a 10 m (33 ft) diameter and a 15 m (49 ft) height.[10]

The pools along the arcades reflect the Mosque’s spectacular columns, which becomes even more glorious at night. The unique lightning system was designed by lightning architects Jonathon Speirs and Major to reflect the phases of the moon. Beautiful bluish gray clouds are projected in lights onto the external walls and get brighter and darker according to the phase of the moon.

The 96 columns in the main prayer hall are clad with marble and inlaid with mother of pearl, one of the few places where you will see this craftsmanship.

The 99 names (qualities or attributes) of Allah (God) are featured on the Qibla wall in traditional Kufi calligraphy, designed by the prominent UAE calligrapher - Mohammed Mandi Al Tamimi. The Qibla wall also features subtle fibre-optic lighting, which is integrated as part of the organic design.

In total, three calligraphy styles - Naskhi, Thuloth and Kufi – are used throughout the mosque and were drafted by Mohammed Mandi Al Tamimi (UAE), Farouk Haddad (Syria) and Mohammed Allam (Jordan)

Al Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem Israel

The Al-Aqsa Mosque (also spelled El-Aksa; "Distant Mosque") is the most important mosque in Jerusalem. Located on the Haram esh-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary) or Temple Mount, it is the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina. It is the central focus of the Muslim community in Jerusalem, hosting daily prayers and accommodating large crowds for Friday sermons.
History

Originally, all of Jerusalem was known as the masjid al-aqsa, or "distant sanctuary," but the term eventually came to be applied to the main mosque in the city. It is not certain when the first mosque was built on this site - the first mosque in Jerusalem, the Mosque of Umar, was built in 638 and may have stood here. In 680, the Christian pilgrim Arculf described a mosque that appears to be on this site.

The earliest mosque that was certainly built here was constructed by the Umayyads around 710 AD, only a few decades after the Dome of the Rock. Under Abbasid rule, it reached its greatest extent by the end of the 8th century with 15 aisles.

Unfortunately nothing of the ancient mosque survives today: it was destroyed by earthquakes twice in its first 60 years of existence and has been rebuilt at least five times. The last major rebuild was in 1035 by Caliph az-Zahir.

After the Crusaders captured Jerusalem in 1099, Al-Aqsa was used as the royal palace of the Crusader kings, then as the headquarters of the Knights Templar in 1118. The legacy of these European occupants remains in the Romanesque central bays of the main facade.

After recapturing Jerusalem in 1187, Saladin left the new arches but tore down all the Templar constructions around the mosque except for the refectory along the south wall. This now houses the Islamic Museum and Women's Mosque.

In the mid-14th century the Mamelukes carried out a major restoration of Al-Aqsa, during which they added an extra two bays on either side of the porch. Of the remainder of their work, only the west side of the mosque survives.

The 20th century was a time of significant turmoil and change at Al-Aqsa. After two earthquakes, the nave and east side of the mosque were torn down and rebuilt in 1938-42. In 1951, King Abdullah of Jordan was assassinated in the south end of the mosque; bullet holes can still be seen in a pillar. The future King Hussein only survived the attack thanks to the medals he wore over his chest. A small memorial consisting of bullets and tear gas canisters near the west wall commemorates the attack and riots that followed.

Another tragedy occurred on August 21, 1969, when a crazed Australian Christian tourist started a fire in the mosque in order to clear the way for the Second Coming. The beautiful wooden pulpit given by Saladin in the 12th century was destroyed in the fire. The crime itself was bad enough, but it led to riots and ongoing accusations that the Jews were trying to destroy the mosque.
What to See

The Al-Aqsa Mosque occupies the south side of the Haram (Temple Mount) and is oriented north to south. The entrance and main facade is on the north side, directly facing the Dome of the Rock, and the dome is at the south end over the mihrab.

Built by the Templars, the three central bays of the facade are Romanesque in style, with the zigzag decoration and blind arches seen more commonly in 11th- and 12th-century European churches. The outer arches added by the Mamelukes in the 14th century follow the same general design. Entrance is through the central arch.

The interior of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, with seven aisles, dates mostly from the 20th century. The nave and east side of the mosque were rebuilt as part of a major restoration in 1938-42, during which the Carrara marble columns were donated by Mussolini of all people, and the colorful painted ceiling was funded by King Farouk of Egypt.

Some older elements do survive, however, including the mihrab at the south end, decorated in 1187 by Saladin, and the mosaics above the central aisle arch and in the dome, dating from 1035. Just east of the mihrab is a Crusader chapel known as the Mihrab of Zacharia, with a lovely rose window. Another Crusader chapel on the west side is used for women's prayer.

Even older elements are hidden underneath the mosque, in an area not normally open to visitors. Just to the left of the main entrance to Al-Aqsa, a flight of 16 steps leads down to an area called al-Aqsa Qadima (Ancient Al-Aqsa), where an ancient ramp connects the Temple Mount with the walled-up Double Gate.

Just inside the Double Gate is a vestibule containing columns from Herod's original south entrance to Temple Mount. The columns support two pairs of domes, which date from a reconstruction in the 7th century. More columns were added later to provide support to the platform above; these probably date from construction on Al-Aqsa Mosque in the 8th century.
Quick Facts
Site Information
Names:     Al Aqsa Mosque; al-Masjid al-Aqsa al-Mubarak (Furthermost Blessed Mosque); El-Aksa; Masjid Al-Aqsa; Distant Mosque; Farthest Mosque
Location:    Jerusalem, Israel
Faith:    Islam
Category:     Mosques
Status:    active
Photo gallery:    Al Aqsa Mosque Photo Gallery
Visitor Information
Address:    Temple Mount, Jerusalem
Coordinates:     31.776264° N, 35.235547° E   (view on Google Maps)
Lodging:    View hotels near this location
Phone:    02/628-3292 or 02/628-3313
Opening hours:    Summer: Sat-Thu 7:30-11 and 1:30-3; winter: 8-10:30 and 12:30-2
Cost:    Combined ticket for El-Aqsa Mosque, Dome of the Rock, and Islamic Museum NIS 36
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Mosque Architecture Najaf, Najaf iraq

Najaf is a Shi'a Muslim holy city in southern Iraq, about 160km south of Baghdad. For Shi'a Muslims, the Imam Ali Mosque in Najaf is the third holiest shrine in the world after Mecca and Medina.
History

After the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 AD, a conflict broke out over who should succeed him as leader of Islam. Some (later called the Shi'ites) said it should be the Prophet's descendents, while others (the Sunnis) argued that the community should choose a leader. As in all conflicts the matter was complex, but this was the essential difference that led to the separation between Shi'a and Sunni Islam that has endured to this day.

The gold-plated mosque shelters the tomb of Imam Ali, the son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad who is revered as a martyr and a saint by Shi'ites. Najaf has been an important place of pilgrimage for Shi'ites since Ali's death in 661 AD.

In the course of the conflict, the son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, Imam Ali, was killed at Najaf in 661. Ali was the Prophet's closest relative and the one whom the Shi'ites saw as the Prophet's true successor, and he is regarded as a great saint and martyr.

The tomb of Ali has been honored at Najaf since as early as 750 AD, although it is possible he is actually buried in Afghanistan. Najaf became an important place of pilgrimage and a center of Shi'a religious learning. In the 20th century, the latter role has shifted more to Qom in Iran.

The tomb of Imam Ali is said to have been discovered at Najaf around 750 AD by Dawood Bin Ali Al-Abbas. A shrine was built over the tomb by Azod Eddowleh in 977, but later burned down. It was rebuilt by the Seljuk Malek Shah in 1086, and rebuilt yet again by Ismail Shah, the Safawid, in about 1500.

Throughout its most of its history Najaf tended to avoid politics, but in the 1970s it took up the cause of the Iranian ayatollahs in their religious and political revolutionary movement. Ayatollah Khomeini lived in exile in Najaf from 1965 to 1978, where he led the opposition to the Shah in Iran.

Most of the Najaf shrines have been damaged and pillaged by the Iraqi government, which was predominantly Sunni until the recent Iraq War. Many suspect that gold and jewels stolen from the shrine of Ali personally enriched the family of Saddam Hussein. However, after his army brutally recaptured Najaf after a rebellion in 1991, Hussein made a great show of repairing damage to the shrines.

In February 1999, Najaf's senior cleric, Muhammad Sadiq as-Sadr, was murdered along with his two sons in Baghdad. The Iraqi government claimed to have caught and executed the killers (all Shia), but one of these was reportedly in prison at the time and many blamed the killings on Saddam's regime.

Najaf has played a significant role in the current Iraq conflict. It was captured by United States forces on April 3, 2003. On August 29, 2003, a car bomb exploded during prayers outside the Imam Ali Mosque just as weekly prayers were ending, killing more than 80 people. Nobody claimed responsibility, and Hussein denied any involvement in a taped message from his hiding place.

Najaf again became a battleground during the Mahdi Army uprising of summer 2004, with some damage to shrines as a result. On August 10, 2006, a suicide bomber blew himself up near the shrine, killing 40 people.
What to See

The central focus of Najaf is the Imam Ali Mosque (also known as Meshed Ali or the Tomb of Ali), located in the city center. The mosque was built over the tomb (whether actual or symbolic) and shrine of Imam Ali, Muhammad's martyred son-in-law.

The shrine of Ali is the third holiest in the world for Shi'a Muslims and a major place of pilgrimage. Many Shi'a bring their dead to the tomb of Ali, carrying the coffin around the sarcophagus before burial.

The mosque is resplendent in gold, with 7,777 tiles of pure gold covering the dome and two 35-meter high golden minarets each made of 40,000 gold tiles. Inside, the mosque is decorated with the opulence typical of Shi'a mosques, with neon lights reflecting off mirrored tiles and hammered silver walls. Sheltered in the mosque is an often-looted treasury of precious objects donated by sultans and other devotees over the years.

Najaf includes several other shrines, including a mosque marking the spot where Ali was martyred. There are also cells for Sufi mystics that have formed monastic communities there.

North of the Imam Ali Mosque is the Wadi as-Salam ("Wadi of Peace"), the largest cemetery in the Muslim world - and perhaps the entire world. It contains the tombs of several prophets, along with millions of Shi'a Muslims who have buried here so they might be raised from the dead with Imam Ali on Judgment Day.
Quick Facts
Site Information
Names:     Najaf; Imam Ali Mosque; Meshed Ali; Tomb of Ali
Location:    Najaf, Iraq
Faith:    Islam
Denomination:    Shi'ite
Dedication:    Imam Ali
Categories:     Shrines; Mosques
Date:    Death of Ali: 661 AD; current building: c.1500
Size:    featured,
Status:    active
Visitor Information
Coordinates:     31.995953° N, 44.314256° E   (view on Google Maps)
Lodging:    View hotels near this location

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Mosque Architecture: Grande mosquée de Lyon

The Grande mosquée de Lyon ("Great Mosque of Lyon"), France’s sixth largest Mosque, was officially inaugurated on 30 September 1994.

It is located at 146 Boulevard Pinel, 5 km east of Presqu'île in Lyon. The Mosque includes cultural facilities, a library and a school. It was designed by the Lyon architects Ballandras and Mirabeau and largely funded by King Fahd of Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries. It combines traditional Maghreb architecture and calligraphy with a modern Western style. The façade is composed of Persian arches. The Mosque also boasts a 25-metre minaret. The entrance is covered by a glass pyramid that includes 230 columns. [1] [2]

An association was formed in 1980 to promote the construction of a Mosque in Lyon, but attempts to get planning permission were repeatedly blocked.

When the French Interior Minister Charles Pasqua opened the Mosque in 1992 he warned against the rise of Islamic fundamentalism
Lyon's Grand Mosque (Mosquée de Lyon) is France’s sixth Grand Mosque. It was built in the 1990s and combines traditional elements with modern architecture.
History

The first stone of the Lyon mosque was laid on the June 14, 1992, amid some controversy. Some had worried that a minaret in Lyon would challenge the basilica at Fourvière.

The mosque designed by Lyon architects and was funded by King Fahd of Saudi Arabia and by other Muslim countries. Opened in September 1994, the mosque responded to its critics with a mix of discretion and western modernity.
What to See

The exterior of the mosque features a façade with Persian arches, a 25-meter-high minaret and a white dome topped with the crescent symbol. The entrance patio is covered by a glass pyramid supported by 230 columns.

A mezzanine level was fitted in the prayer room for the women, which overhangs the mihrab that indicates the direction of Mecca. The mihrab is decorated with a blue mosaic that proclaims the central creed of Islam: "There is no other God than God and Mohammed is his prophet."

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Mosque Architecture: Regent's Park Mosque, London

The London Central Mosque (more commonly known as Regent's Park Mosque for its location), is the principal mosque of London and the spiritual focal point for Muslims throughout the UK.

It is also home to the Islamic Cultural Centre, which provides education on Islam to Muslim children and the community at large.
History

The London Central Mosque was founded during World War II, in recognition of the substantial Muslim population of the British Empire and its support for the Allies during the war. On October 24, 1940, the Churchill War Cabinet allocated £100,000 for acquisition of a site for a mosque in London. The site chosen was a 2.3-acre spot in a prime location next to Regent's Park.

The Islamic Cultural Centre, which would later include the mosque, was officially opened in November 1944 by King George VI. But development of the mosque itself foundered. Various designs were proposed while the Mosque Committee had difficulty acquiring necessary building permits.

Not until 1969 was a design approved (after an international competition) and construction begun. The mosque was designed by English architect Frederick Gibberd, and the expense supported by a donation of £2 million by King Faisal of Saudi Arabia. The mosque was finally completed in July 1977, at a total cost of £6.5 million.
What to See

The London Central Mosque is easily recognizable by its large golden dome and stout 140-foot minaret on the edge of Regent's Park. Aside from these traditional aspects of mosque architecture, the building is quite modern and resembles other buildings from the same era.

As with most worldwide mosques, the London Central Mosque is actually a large mosque complex that also includes a library with over 20,000 books, administrative offices, a conference room, a Muslim bookshop and events hall. A new educational and administrative wing was added in 1994.

The main prayer hall is oriented towards Mecca and features lush red carpets, a vast dome decorated with mosaics, and a huge central chandalier. It holds 1,400 worshippers at prayer times, but can be extended outside to accommodate up to 4,000 for festivals (and even more including the typical overflow into the courtyard).

Up to 50,000 Muslims visit London Central Mosque for the two main Muslim festivals (Eids) of the year, typically worshipping in six groups. Around lunchtime on most Fridays (the main Muslim day of worship), the mosque is full to overflowing with Muslim worshippers from all over London and beyond.
Our Visit

The Sacred Destinations team stopped by the London Central Mosque on a Saturday in April. We seemed to be the only visitors, but the mosque was otherwise an active place, with several worshippers at prayer in the hall and others arriving at the mosque regularly.

The mosque itself is not terribly attractive, in my opinion, but that's only because of the era in which it was built - many London buildings from the 1960s have a similar unfortunate concrete look. But the great gold dome and minaret make for an interesting departure from the western architecture of the rest of the city.

As we entered the courtyard, both wondering whether my husband's cargo shorts were acceptable attire, a friendly member of the mosque saw our hesitation. He made a welcoming gesture towards the mosque and said, "It's okay, they cover the knee!"

Inside, we were mostly ignored, though some stared at us a little (probably because I was using my jacket's hood as a makeshift headscarf and looked rather odd). We loitered quietly near the doorway of the prayer hall and looked in for a minute or two, then browsed the windows of the Muslim bookshop before heading back out.

On our way out through the courtyard, we were approached by another friendly man who said "Welcome to the mosque!" and asked if we had received "a very important book."

Hearing that we hadn't, he rushed off to get us a small book that aims to demonstrate the truth of Islam from the Qur'an, science and prophecy. As he handed it to us, he said earnestly but gently that while many people believe in many gods, there is only one God, and he will reveal himself to us as he did to Muhammad.
Quick Facts
Site Information
Names:     Regent's Park Mosque; Islamic Cultural Centre; London Central Mosque
Location:    London, England
Faith:    Islam
Category:     Mosques
Architecture:     Modern
Date:    1940-77
Patron(s):    Churchill War Cabinet; King Faisal of Saudi Arabia
Architect:    Frederick Gibberd
Status:    active
Visitor Information
Coordinates:     51.528947° N, 0.165153° W   (view on Google Maps)
Lodging:    View hotels near this location
Phone:    020 7725 2212
Website:    www.iccuk.org
E-mail:    visits@iccuk.org
Opening hours:    Open to visitors anytime the mosque is open
Cost:    Free
Official tours:    Provided regularly, especially to school groups, and can be arranged by appointment (e-mail or phone)
Rules:    Knees and shoulders must be covered (both sexes) and women must cover their head (headscarves can be borrowed at the bookshop).
Facilities:    Bookshop

Note: This information was accurate when published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.
Travel Resources

    * London Map - our detailed interactive map of London, plus hand-picked links to more
    * London Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, and book at the guaranteed lowest price
    * London Guided Tours - sightseeing tours and activities in London
    * London Car Rentals - get the lowest rate by comparing multiple car companies at a glance
    * London Restaurant Reviews - the best places to eat in town

Article Sources

   1. Personal visit (April 15, 2006).
   2. The Islamic Cultural Centre and London Central Mosque - official website
   3. Martin and Nigel Palmer, The Spiritual Traveler: England, Scotland, Wales (2000).


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Mosque Architecture: London Jamme Masjid, London

The London Jamme Masjid, located in the Spitalfields neighborhood of London, is housed in a building with a life story that reflects the history of immigration into the area.
History

Originally built in 1743 for use as a Huguenot chapel, it became a synagogue in the 19th century, and then was used as a Methodist chapel in the early 20th century.

With a new influx of Bengali (Bangladeshi) immigrants to the area, the building became the Jamme Masjid or Great London Mosque in 1976.
What to See

A sundial above the entrance reads Umbra sumus - "We are shadows."

In the predominantly Bengali neighborhood around the mosque, you'll find bagel shops alongside curry houses.

On Sunday, the bustling Brick Lane Market sells various bric-a-brac alongside Asian spices and sari silks.

Quick Facts on London Jamme Masjid
   
Name    London Jamme Masjid
Category    Mosque
Media    aerial view
Location    London, England
Coordinates     51.5196990° N, 0.0722160° W (map)
Lodging    See hotels near this location


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The Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque, Alexandria

The Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque is the most historic and most beautiful mosque in Alexandria. It was built primarily in 1775 over the tomb of a Spanish scholar and saint, Abu El Abbas El Mursi (1219-86), and stands on Mosque Square overlooking the eastern harbor.
History

Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi (whose full name is much longer) was born to a wealthy family in the Andalusia region of Spain in 1219. In the wake of increasing Christian control of Spain, he and his family left for Tunisia in 1242. He later went on to Alexandria, a popular destination of many Muslim scholars at the time.

Abu al-Abbas lived in Alexandria for 43 years as a scholar and teacher until his death in 1286. He was buried in a small building near the eastern harbor in Alexandria.

In 1307, El Sheikh Zein El Din Ibn El Qattan, one of the richest traders of Alexandria, visited the tomb. He funded a mausoleum and dome for the tomb, along with a small mosque. The tomb of Abu al-Abbas became a place of pilgrimage for many Muslims from Egypt and Morocco who passed through Alexandria on their way to and from Mecca.

The mosque was periodically restored over the centuries by rulers who built themselves tombs next to the saint. Most of the present structure dates from 1775, when the Algerian Sheikh Abu el Hassan El Maghreby built a much larger mosque on the site. It was fully renovated in 1863, and an annual festival was established to celebrate the birth of Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi.

The mosque was again beautified in 1943 under King Farouq I (r.1937-1952), who built the Midan el Masaged, or "Mosque Square." The square covers some 43,200 square meters and includes five other mosques centered around the Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque. The mosque was renovated in the Arabian style that was popular when the saint came to Alexandria in the 13th century, at a total cost of about 140,000 LE.
What to See

The cream-colored Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque stands 23 m high and dressed in artificial stone, with a minaret on the southern side rising to 73 m. Situated near the shore of the eastern harbor, the mosque and its neighbors can be clearly seen from the sea. The minaret has an Ayoubids design, with four sections of different shapes. The mosque has an entrance on the north and one on the east, both of which overlook the square. The main part of the mosque is an octagon, with internal walls are dressed in artificial stone except for a 5.6 m-high mosaic.

The high ceiling is decorated with arabesque and contains a great octagonal skylight known as a Shokhsheikha. Each side of the skylight has three windows of colored glass in arabesque designs set into aluminum frames. This skylight is surrounded by four domes, placed over the four mausoleums within the complex.

The floors are paved in white marble. The doors, minbar and windows are made of joined and finely carved teak, citronia and walnut. The minbar (pulpit) is capped by a dome and has verses from the Qur'an written at the top in French gold. The mihrab (niche indicating the direction of Mecca) stands at the base of the mosque's minaret and is flanked by the creed, ”There is no god except Allah and Muhammad is the prophet of Allah” in Arabic script. Also on either side of the mihrab are two columns of Egyptian granite, with the name of Muhammad written in Kufic Arabic calligraphy at each end.

The mayda, an absolution area, along with the lavatories, are on the western side of the mosque with their own entrance overlooking the square. According to a royal order, the necessary alterations were made to reserve a special worship area for women with a private entrance.
Quick Facts
Site Information
Names:     Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque; Abu el-Abbas el-Mursi Mosque; Abul Abbas al Mursi Mosque; Abul Abbas al-Morsi Mosque; al Mursi Mosque
Location:    Alexandria, Egypt
Faith:    Islam
Categories:     Mosques; Mausoleums
Date:    Founded 1307; rebuilt many times; present building dates from 1775; substantially renovated 1943
Size:    Area: 3,000 sq m
Outer walls: 23m high
Interior ceilings: 17.2m high
Minaret: 73m high
Minbar: 6.35m high
Features:    Famous Grave
Status:    active
Visitor Information
Address:    Midan el Masaged (Mosque Square), Alexandria, Egypt
Coordinates:     31.205644° N, 29.882158° E   (view on Google Maps)
Lodging:    View hotels near this location
Accessibility:    Woman cannot visit the mosque itself, but can visit the mausolem and view the interior of the mosque from behind a barrier.

Note: This information was accurate when published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.
Travel Resources

    * Alexandria Map - our detailed interactive map of Alexandria, plus hand-picked links to more
    * Alexandria Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, and book at the guaranteed lowest price
    * Alexandria Guided Tours - sightseeing tours and activities in Alexandria
    * Alexandria Restaurant Reviews - the best places to eat in town

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Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrasa, Cairo Egypt

 The Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan in Cairo is one of the largest Islamic religious buildings in the world.

History

Built between 1356 and 1363 by the Mamluk ruler Sultan Hassan, the scale of the mosque is so colossal that it nearly emptied the vast Mamluk Treasury. Historians believe that the builders of this mosque may have used stone from the pyramids at Giza.

Early in construction, some design flaws in the colossal plans became apparent. There was going to be a minaret at each corner, but this was abandoned after the one directly above the entrance collapsed, killing 300 people. Another minaret toppled in 1659, then the weakened dome collapsed.

The early history witnessed by the mosque was as unstable as its architecture: Hassan was assassinated in 1391, two years before completion, and the roof was used as an artillery platform during coups against sultans Barquq (1391) and Tumanbey (1517).
What to See

The Mosque of Sultan Hassan is one of the largest mosques in the world, measuring 150m in length and covering an area of 7,906 sq m. Its walls rise to 36m and its tallest minaret to 68m.

Visitors enter the complex through a tall portal that is itself a work of art. A dark and relatively low-ceilinged passageway leads to the brightly lit sahn, a standard cruciform-plan open courtyard.

The courtyard centers on a domed ablutions fountain, which was probably an Ottoman addition. Soaring on four sides of the courtyard are vaulted liwans (sitting rooms), accented by hanging lamp chains and red-and-black rims.

Each liwan is devoted to one of the four Sunni schools of jurisprudence. Skilfully fitted between and behind each liwan is a madrasa, complete with its own courtyard and four stories of cells for students and teachers.

One of the liwans also functions as a sanctuary, containing the mihrab and minbar. It is distinguished from its roughly-plastered counterparts by soft-hued marble inlay and a band of Kufic script.

To the right of the minbar in this room is a bronze door, exquisitely decorated with radiating stars in gold and silver, which leads into the mausoleum of Sultan Hassan. Its location benefits from prayers to Mecca and overlooks the Sultan's old stomping grounds on Midan Salah al-Din.

The mausoleum, covered by a restored dome supported on stalactite pendentives, is quite beautiful, particularly in the morning when the rising sun filters through grilled windows.
Quick Facts
Names:     Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan; Sultan Hassan Mosque
Type of site:     Mosque, madrasa (Islamic school), mausoleum
Dates:     1356-63
Records:     One of the largest Islamic buildings in the world
Location:     Maydan Salah al-Din, facing the Citadel, Cairo, Egypt
Phone:     None
Hours:     Daily except Fri 8am-10pm, Fri 8-1 & 2:30-5
Cost:     £e12; students £e6
Tip:     The light is best in the morning.
Travel Resources

    * Map of Cairo - our own interactive map plus links to more online maps
    * Cairo Hostels - search and book budget lodgings
    * Cairo Hotel Reviews - unbiased reviews from fellow travelers
    * Guided Tours of Cairo - sightseeing tours and excursions
    * Cairo Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Cairo travel

Article Sources

   1. Fodor's Exploring Egypt.
   2. The Rough Guide to Egypt 6 (November 2005), 180.
   3. The Mosque and Madrassa of Sultan Hassan - TourEgypt
www.sacred-destinations.com

Beautiful lamp of Muhammad Ali Mosque, Cairo Mesir

Completed in 1848, the Ottoman-style Muhammad 'Ali Mosque or Alabaster Mosque is the most noticeable in all of Cairo; for more than 150 years it has dominated the skyline.
History

When the Ottoman Muhammad 'Ali assumed power of Cairo in the 1800s he had all the Mamluk buildings of the Citadel razed and the complex entirely rebuilt.

The Citadel's appearance today is the vision of Muhammad 'Ali, particularly the mosque that bears his name. It was built between 1824 and 1848; the domes had to be rebuilt in the 1930s.
What to See

Ottoman law prohibited anyone but the sultan from building a mosque with more than one minaret, but this mosque has two minarets. This was one of Muhammad 'Ali's first indications that he did not intend to remain submissive to Istanbul.

The mosque is classically Turkish in style, reflecting its Ottoman origins. The cascading domes, slender minarets, constellation of hanging globe lamps, richly decorated ceiling and spacious interior all recall the great mosques of Istanbul.

The interior also reflects some French rococo influences, and is finished with ornate lines of red, green, and gold. There is a gold-scalloped mihrab and two minbars (pulpits): one faced in alabaster and the other, unusually, in the Art Nouveau style.

Muhammad Ali is buried beneath a white marble monument on the right of the entrance behind a bronze grill.

In the courtyard is an ornate clock given by Louis Philippe in exchange for the obelisk that stands in the Place de la Concorde in Paris. It has never worked.

Also in the courtyard is a Turkish Baroque ablutions fountain, which The Rough Guide to Egypt describes as "resembling a giant Easter egg."
Quick Facts
Names:     Muhammad Ali Mosque; Alabaster Mosque
Type of site:     Mosque
Faith:     Islam
Status:     Active
Dates:     Built 1824-48; domes 1930s
Architecture:     Ottoman
Location:     The Citadel, Cairo, Egypt
Hours:     Citadel: daily 8-5; mosque closed to visitors on Fridays
Cost:     Citadel admission: £e35; students £e20
Travel Resources

    * Map of Cairo - our own interactive map plus links to more online maps
    * Cairo Hostels - search and book budget lodgings
    * Cairo Hotel Reviews - unbiased reviews from fellow travelers
    * Guided Tours of Cairo - sightseeing tours and excursions
    * Cairo Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Cairo travel

Article Sources

   1. The Rough Guide to Egypt 6 (November 2005), 144.
   2. Muhammad 'Ali Mosque at the Citadel – ArchNet Digital Library

from: www.sacred-destinations.com

Go to Ibn Tulun Mosque, Cairo

The Ibn Tulun Mosque is a huge and historic mosque in Cairo built by Ahmad Ibn Tulun. The oldest mosque in Egypt and one of the largest in the world, it is also famed for its lovely architecture and unique minaret.
History

Ahmad Ibn Tulun built this mosque from 870 to 879 AD in order to accommodate all of his troops. It was the third congregational mosque to be built in the Cairo area and the oldest mosque in Egypt that has survived mostly in its original form.

Ibn Tulun was the son of a Turkish slave of Mongol origins owned by the Abbasid Caliph al-Ma'mun. From these humble origins he rose to great power, founding the Tulunid Dynasty (868-905 AD) of Egypt.

After becoming the ruler of Egypt, Ibn Tulun founded a new city called al-Qata'i on a rocky outcrop, clearing a Christian and Jewish cemetery in order to do so. Many biblical legends were attached to this hill: it was said to be the landing site of Noah's Ark, the place where Moses had confronted Pharaoh's magicians, and near the place where Abraham nearly sacrificed Isaac.

When the Abbasids regained power in 905, Ibn Tulun's city was razed, but the great mosque at its center was spared. But as the city center shifted away from the rock, the mosque fell into neglect. In the 12th century it was used as a shelter by pilgrims, which caused some damaged.

The Ibn Tulun Mosque was first restored by Mamluk Sultan Lajin in 1296. Lajin had been a conspirator in the assassination of Sultan al-Ashraf Khalil ibn Qalawun. He hid in the deserted mosque and vowed to restore it if he escaped with his life. This restoration included the rebuilding of the famously unique minaret.

There have been several renovations in modern times, including major work in 1999 that included the paving of the courtyard and the refacing of the fountain in black marble.
What to See

The entire complex of the Mosque of Ibn Tulun is surrounded by a wall and covers more than 6 acres. With an area of 26,318 sq m, the mosque itself is the third largest in the world.

The arches of the courtyard galleries are decorated with beautifully carved stucco, the first time this medium was used in Cairo.

The minaret, the only one of its kind in Egypt, is modeled after the minarets of Samarra, with a spiral staircase around the outside. Andalusian influence can also be seen in the horseshoe arches of the minaret windows and elsewhere - this was brought to Egypt by Muslim refugees who were driven out of Spain by the Reconquista (1212-60).
Quick Facts
Site Information
Names:     Ibn Tulun Mosque; Mosque of Ibn Tulun
Location:    Cairo, Egypt
Faith:    Islam
Category:     Mosques
Date:    870-79
Patron(s):    Ahmad Ibn Tulun
Size:    Area: 26,318 sq m
Features:    Oldest; Largest
Status:    active
Visitor Information
Address:    Shar'a Tulun Bay, Cairo, Egypt
Coordinates:     30.029123° N, 31.249559° E   (view on Google Maps)
Lodging:    View hotels near this location
Cost:    £e6

Note: This information was accurate when published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.
Travel Resources

    * Cairo Map - our detailed interactive map of Cairo, plus hand-picked links to more
    * Cairo Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, and book at the guaranteed lowest price
    * Cairo Guided Tours - sightseeing tours and activities in Cairo
    * Cairo Car Rentals - get the lowest rate by comparing multiple car companies at a glance
    * Cairo Restaurant Reviews - the best places to eat in town

Article Sources

   1. Mosque of Ibn Tulun - Fodor's Egypt
   2. The Mosque of Ahmad Ibn Tulun - Tour Egypt
   3. Ibn Tulun Mosque - Muslim Heritage
   4. Ibn Tulun Mosque - ArchNet Digital Library
   5. Ibn Tulun Mosque - Egypt State Information Service

Further Resources

    * Egypt holidays - TravelMatch have a great selection of holidays to Egypt to suit any budget

from: /www.sacred-destinations.com

Between Al-Azhar Mosque And University, Cairo

Al-Azhar University in Cairo is one of the oldest operating universities in the world. The Islamic university is connected to the beautiful and historic Al-Azhar Mosque.
History

The mosque and university are named in honor of Fatima Az-Zahraa, the daughter of Muhammad, from whom the Fatimid Dynasty claimed descent.

The mosque was built in two years beginning in 971 AD. The school of theology (madrassa) connected with it was founded in 988 as an Ismaili Shia school, but it later became a Sunni school, which it remains to this day. It claims to be the oldest Islamic university in the world, but this is disputed by the Kairaouine Mosque in Fes, Morocco.

The core academic life of Al-Azhar has remained much the same for over a millenium: its students study the Qur'an and Islamic law in detail, along with logic, grammar, rhetoric, and how to calculate the lunar phases of the moon. Most of this learning is done by listening in a circle (halqa) at the feet of a sheikh and rote memorization. As students advance, they may engage in Socratic dialogue with their teachers or instruct their juniors.

Al-Azhar does not admit students who are not practicing Muslims but provides training in secular professions; it is thus a unique combination of a theological seminary and regular university, with faculties of medicine and engineering established in 1961.

Al-Azhar is considered by most Sunni Muslims to be the most prestigious school of Islamic law, and its scholars are seen as the highest scholars in the Muslim world. Its stated objectives remain the propagation of Islamic culture and the Arabic language.

To that end, it maintains a committee of ulemas to judge on individual Islamic questions, a printing establishment for printing the Qur'an, and trains preachers trained in da'wa and the propagation of religious publicity. Al-Azhar is run by a Supreme Council that establishes general policy, headed by a Grand Imam, styled the "Sheikh Al-Azhar."

Since 1929 Al-Azhar has published a magazine (now monthly) whose stated purpose is to promulgate religious rules, subjects related to the propagating of Islamic literature, and basic jurisprudence (sharia), including sections on history, biographies, translated texts and news concerning the Muslim world.

The current Imam of Al-Azhar has declared that the perpetrators of the 9/11 attacks and suicide bombers are heretics who are not following the true path of Islam. In a recent conference in Indonesia, he asked all "true believers" to deny speakers of violently heretical Islam places to speak in the mosque, thus preventing the spread of violent ideologies.
What to See

The Al-Azhar Mosque is a grand structure that reflects many centuries of styles. Entrance is through the 15th-century Barber's Gate, where students traditionally had their heads shaved.

This leads into a great courtyard (sahn), which dates from the 10th century and is overlooked by three stately minarets. The courtyard's white facade, accented by rosettes and keel-arched panels, is mostly from the Fatimid period.

The latticework-screened residential quarters of the madrassas on the right side date from the Mamluke period. These are rarely open to visitors, but tourists may enter the prayer hall, which is warmly carpeted and supported by alabaster pillars.

The university's library (not open to visitors), which was consolidated in 1897, is considered second in range and importance only to Dar Al-kotob Al-Masriah in Egypt, as far as the number of Islamic books and manuscripts are concerned. The library comprises of 99,062 books consist of 595,668 volumes of the most precious manuscripts and rare books, some as old as the 8th century.
Quick Facts
Site Information
Names:     Al-Azhar Mosque and University; Al-Azhar Mosque; Al-Azhar University; Al-Azhar Al-Shareef
Location:    Cairo, Egypt
Faith:    Islam
Categories:     Academic Chapels or Institutions; Academic Institutions
Date:    Mosque founded 971; university founded 988
Status:    active
Visitor Information
Address:    El Darb El Ahmer, Cairo, Egypt
Coordinates:     30.045842° N, 31.26253° E   (view on Google Maps)
Lodging:    View hotels near this location
Opening hours:    Mon-Thu and Sun 8am-5pm, Fri 8-11am, 3-5pm
Cost:    Free, but Frommer's says: "the men who take care of the shoes near the entrance tend to be firm in their demands for bakshish. Preemptively give a couple of pounds to avoid any hassles."
Official tours:    Guided tours usually available from students, who will expect a tip at the end. Frommer's recommends LE5 for a good tour, but says LE2 is quite sufficient if you just want to get rid of them.
Rules:    Women must cover arms, legs, and shoulders, and should cover their heads with a veil. Scarves are available to borrow at the entrance. All visitors must remove shoes at entrance.

Note: This information was accurate when published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.
Travel Resources

    * Cairo Map - our detailed interactive map of Cairo, plus hand-picked links to more
    * Cairo Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, and book at the guaranteed lowest price
    * Cairo Guided Tours - sightseeing tours and activities in Cairo
    * Cairo Car Rentals - get the lowest rate by comparing multiple car companies at a glance
    * Cairo Restaurant Reviews - the best places to eat in town

Article Sources

   1. The Rough Guide to Egypt 6 (November 2005), 156.
   2. Al Azhar Mosque - Frommers.com
   3. Wikipedia (accessed May 2005; text used under GFDL)
   4. Al-Azhar Mosque and University - Official Website
   5. Al-Azhar University: 1000 Years of Scholarship – Muslim Heritage

from: /www.sacred-destinations.com

Niu Jie Mosque, Beijing , China

Built in 995, the Niu Jie Mosque is Beijing's largest and oldest mosque and the spiritual center for the city's estimated 200,000 Muslims.
History

The mosque was constructed by two Arabs in 995. Throughout the Yuan, Ming and Qing periods (13th-19th C), it underwent several alterations and since 1949 it has been repeatedly restored.
What to See

Niu Jie (Ox Street) is a cramped road running north-south in the Muslim Quarter, about a mile directly west of the Temple of Heaven. It is lined with offal stalls and vendors selling fried dough rings, rice cakes and shaobang (muffins), and populated by men wearing white hats and beards.

The Niu Jie Mosque occupies a site of over 6000 m² and includes several buildings: the prayer hall, the Bangge Lou (minaret), a six-cornered moon observatory tower, and two pavilions with stone steles.

The exteriors are designed in classic Chinese style, looking very much like Buddhist temples, but the interiors are more traditionally Arab. And of course, there are no idols to be seen. Both Chinese and Arabic inscriptions adorn the buildings.

Non-Muslim visitors cannot enter the prayer hall (which is usually fairly empty except on Fridays), but can admire the architecture of the exteriors and look around the courtyards. A small courtyard on the south side contains the graves of two Persian imams who preached here in the 13th century. Nearby is a copper cauldron, used to prepare food for devotees.
Quick Facts
Names:     Niu Jie Libai Si; Niu Jie Mosque; Niujie Qingzhen Si Mosque; Ox Street Mosque
Type of site:     Mosque
Faith:     Islam
Status:     Active
Dates:     996 AD
Location:     On east side of Niu Jie (Ox Street), Xuanwu Qu
Address:     Niu Jie 88, Beijing, China
Phone:     010/6353-2564
Hours:     Daily 8am-7pm
Cost:     ¥10 for non-Muslims
Bus:     61 to Libai Si from Changchun Jie metro stop (205, exit D)

from: www.sacred-destinations.com

Great Mosque of Xi'an, Xi'an China

The Great Mosque of Xi'an is a tranquil and historic mosque that has served Xi'an's Muslim community for more than a millennium. The largest and best preserved of the ancient mosques of China, its buildings are a fascinating fusion of Chinese and Arabian styles.
History

A mosque was first built on this site on Hua Jue Lane as early as the 700s AD, but the current complex was laid out during the Ming Dynasty in the late 14th century. Tradition says the Great Mosque was founded by the naval admiral Cheng Ho, son of a prestigious Muslim family who became famous for expelling pirates from the China Sea.

At the time the mosque was just outside the Ming city walls in a neighborhood for foreigners. Today the neighborhood and the mosque are part of the city. Most of the present buildings were rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries.
What to See

The Great Mosque of Xi'an is laid out like a traditional Chinese temple, with successive courtyards of pavilions and pagodas occupying a long and narrow site (48 meters by 248 meters).

But the buildings' Islamic function becomes clear on closer inspection, with the usual figurative decoration mostly replaced by Arabic and Chinese calligraphy. The complex is aligned on an east-west axis, facing Mecca.

The mosque has five courtyards in all, leading to a prayer hall (off-limits to non-Muslims) at the western end of the site. Each courtyard has a monumental pavilion or gate.

The third courtyard, called Qing Xiu Dian ("Place of Meditation") is home to the tallest tower in the complex, as the Xing Xin Ting ("Pavilion for Introspection") or Sheng Xin Lou ("Tower of the Visiting Heart"). Rising over ten meters tall, the octagonal brick tower consists of three stories separated by eaves and enveloped in wooden balconies.

Unlike earlier mosques, this tower combines two functions into one: the moon watching pavilion (or bangke tower) and the minaret. It is designed in traditional Chinese style: the exterior is decorated with blue glazed tiles and dragon heads. Inside, the carved ceiling is brightly painted with lotus flowers.

In the fourth courtyard, in front of the prayer hall, is the Feng Hua Ting or Phoenix Pavilion. Dating from the Qing Dynasty, it is named for its resemblance to a phoenix with its outstretched wings. The Chinese-style roofline conceals an Islamic-style wooden cupola that covers the central space. Lecture halls flank the courtyard.

The prayer hall, which is the focus of this and all mosque complexes, occupies 1,270 square meters. It is divided into three sections: a porch, great hall, and projecting qibla bay (iwan), each with a separate roof. The prayer hall is beautifully decorated with bas-relief woodwork and Quranic inscriptions.

Behind the prayer hall, accessed through two round moon gates, is the fifth courtyard. Here there are two small man-made hills used for the ceremonial viewing of the new moon.
Quick Facts
Site Information
Names:     Great Mosque of Xi'an; Qingzhen Si; Qing Zhen Si; Huajuexiang Mosque; Mosque on Hua Jue Lane; Huachueh Mosque; Hua Jue Xiang Mosque; Hua Jue Jiang Mosque
Location:    Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
Faith:    Islam
Category:     Mosques
Date:    1368-1398
Status:    active
Visitor Information
Address:    Huajue Xiang 30, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
Coordinates:     34.263428° N, 108.936712° E   (view on Google Maps)
Lodging:    View hotels near this location
Phone:    029/727-2541
Opening hours:    Apr-Oct 8am-7pm
Nov-Mar 8am-5pm
Limited access on Fridays.
Prayer hall closed to non-Muslims.
Cost:    ¥12

Note: This information was accurate when published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.
Article Sources

   1. Great Mosque of Xi'an - ArchNet
   2. Frommer's China, 3rd ed. (2008).
   3. Great Mosque, Xi'an - China Highlights
   4. Hui People - 360 Tours

from: /www.sacred-destinations.com

popular Mosque: Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (Arabic: المسجد النبوي) or the Prophet's Mosque Madina

Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (Arabic: المسجد النبوي) or the Prophet's Mosque is a great mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia. It stands on the site of a mosque built by the Prophet Muhammad himself next to his house and contains his tomb. The Prophet's Mosque is the second holiest mosque in the world after al-Haram in Mecca. (Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem comes in third.)
History

The original Prophet's Mosque was built by the Prophet himself, next to the house where he settled after his Hijrah (emigration) to Medina in 622 AD. It was an open-air building with a raised platform for the reading of the Qur'an.

A square enclosure of 30x35 meters, the mosque was built with palm trunks and mud walls and accessed through three doors: Bab Rahmah to the south, Bab Jibril to the west and Bab al-Nisa' to the east. The basic plan of the building has since been adopted in the building of other mosques throughout the world.

Inside, the Prophet created a shaded area to the south called the suffrah and aligned the prayer space facing north towards Jerusalem. When the qibla (prayer direction) was changed to Mecca, the mosque was re-oriented to the south. The mosque also served as a community center, a court, and a religious school. Seven years later (629 AD/7 AH), the mosque was doubled in size to accommodate the increasing number of Muslims.

Subsequent Islamic rulers continued to enlarge and embellish the Prophet's Mosque over the centuries. In 707, Umayyad Caliph al-Walid (705-715) tore down the old structure and built a larger one in its place, incorporating the house and tomb of the Prophet.

This mosque was 84 by 100 meters in size, with stone foundations and a teak roof supported on stone columns. The mosque walls were decorated with mosaics by Coptic and Greek craftsmen, similar to those seen in the Umayyad mosque in Damascus and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem (built by the same caliph). The courtyard was surrounded by a gallery on four sides, with four minarets on its corners. A mihrab topped by a small dome was built on the qibla wall.

Abbasid Caliph al-Mahdi (775-785) destroyed the northern section of al-Walid's mosque between 778 and 781 to enlarge it further. He also added 20 doors to the mosque: eight on each of the east and west walls, and four on the north wall.

During the reign of the Mamluk Sultan Qala'un, a dome was erected above the house and tomb of the Prophet and an ablution fountain was built outside of Bab al-Salam. Sultan Nasir bin Muhammad bin Qala'un rebuilt the fourth minaret that had been destroyed earlier. After a lightning strike destroyed much of the mosque in 1481, Sultan Qaytbay rebuilt the east, west and qibla walls.

The Ottoman sultans who controlled Medina from 1517 until World War I also made their mark. Sultan Suleyman I (1520-1566) rebuilt the western and eastern walls of the mosque and built the northeastern minaret known as al-Suleymaniyya. He added a new mihrab (al-Ahnaf) next to the Prophet's mihrab (al-Shafi'iyyah) and placed a new dome covered in lead sheets and painted green above the Prophet's house and tomb.

During the reign of Ottoman Sultan Abdulmecid I (1839-1861), the mosque was entirely remodeled with the exception of the Prophet's Tomb, the three mihrabs, the minbar and the Suleymaniyya minaret. The precinct was enlarged to include an ablution area to the north. The prayer hall to the south was doubled in width and covered with small domes equal in size except for domes covering the mihrab area, Bab al-Salam and the Prophet's Tomb.

The domes were decorated with Quranic verses and lines from Nahj al-Burdah, the famous poem by 13th-century Arabic poet al-Busiri. The qibla wall was covered with glazed tiles featuring Quranic calligraphy. The floors of the prayer hall and the courtyard were paved with marble and red stones and a fifth minaret (al-Majidiyya), was built to the west of the enclosure.

After the foundation of the Saudi Kingdom of Arabia in 1932, the Mosque of the Prophet underwent several major modifications. In 1951 King Abdul Aziz (1932-1953) ordered demolitions around the mosque to make way for new wings to the east and west of the prayer hall, which consisted of concrete columns with pointed arches. Older columns were reinforced with concrete and braced with copper rings at the top. The Suleymaniyya and Majidiyya minarets were replaced by two minarets in Mamluk revival style. Two additional minarets were erected to the northeast and northwest of the mosque. A library was built along the western wall to house historic Qurans and other religious texts.

In 1973 Saudi King Faisal bin Abdul Aziz ordered the construction of temporary shelters to the west of the mosque to accommodate the growing number of worshippers in 1981, the old mosque was surrounded by new prayer areas on these sides, enlarging five times its size.

The latest renovations took place under King Fahd and have greatly increased the size of the mosque, allowing it to hold a large number of worshippers and pilgrims and adding modern comforts like air conditioning.
What to See

As it stands today, the Prophet's Mosque has a rectangular plan on two floors with the Ottoman prayer hall projecting to the south. The main prayer hall occupies the entire first floor. The mosque enclosure is 100 times bigger than the first mosque built by the Prophet and can accommodate more than half a million worshippers.

The Prophet's Mosque has a flat paved roof topped with 24 domes on square bases. Holes pierced into the base of each dome illuminate the interior. The roof is also used for prayer during peak times, when the 24 domes slide out on metal tracks to shade areas of the roof, creating light wells for the prayer hall. At these times, the courtyard of the Ottoman mosque is also shaded with umbrellas affixed to freestanding columns. The roof is accessed by stairs and escalators. The paved area around the mosque is also used for prayer, equipped with umbrella tents.

The north façade has three evenly spaced porticos, while the east, west and south façades have two. The walls are composed of a series of windows topped by pointed arches with black and white voussoirs. There are six peripheral minarets attached to the new extension, and four others frame the Ottoman structure. The mosque is lavishly decorated with polychrome marble and stones. The columns are of white marble with brass capitals supporting slightly pointed arches, built of black and white stones. The column pedestals have ventilation grills that regulate the temperature inside the prayer hall.

This shiny new Prophet's Mosque contains the older mosque within it. The two sections can be easily distinguished: the older section has many colorful decorations and numerous small pillars; the new section is in gleaming white marble and is completely air-conditioned.

The most notable feature of the Prophet's Mosque is the green Dome of the Prophet, which rises higher amongst the sea of white domes. This is where the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad is located; early Muslim leaders Abu Bakr and Umar ibn al-Khattab are buried in an adjacent area as well.

At the heart of the mosque is a small area called ar-Rawdah an-Nabawiyah (Arabic: الروضة النبوية), which extends from the tomb of the Prophet to his pulpit. All pilgrims attempt to visit and pray in ar-Rawdah, for there is a tradition that supplications and prayers uttered here are never rejected. Entrance into ar-Rawdah is not always possible (especially during the Hajj), as the tiny area can accommodate only a few hundred people. Ar-Rawdah has two small gateways manned by Saudi soldiers charged with preventing overcrowding in the tiny area.

The green fence at the tomb of Muhammad is guarded by Wahhabi volunteers, who prevent pilgrims from touching the fence, which the Wahhabis regard as idolatry. The structure called Muhammad's pulpit is similarly guarded. The current marble pulpit was constructed by the Ottomans; the original was much smaller and made of palm tree wood.

The mosque is located in what was traditionally the center of Medina, with many hotels and old markets nearby. It is a major pilgrimage site and many people who perform the Hajj in Mecca later come to Medina to visit the mosque.
Quick Facts
Site Information
Names:     The Prophet's Mosque; Al-Masjid an-Nabawi
Location:    Medina, Saudi Arabia
Faith:    Islam
Category:     Mosques
Features:    Holiest
Status:    active
Photo gallery:    The Prophet's Mosque Photo Gallery
Visitor Information
Coordinates:     24.468314° N, 39.609989° E   (view on Google Maps)
Lodging:    View hotels near this location
Opening hours:    Open only to Muslims.
Cost:    Free

Note: This information was accurate when published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.
Travel Resources

    * Medina Map - our detailed interactive map of Medina, plus hand-picked links to more
    * Medina Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, and book at the guaranteed lowest price

Article Sources

   1. "Mosque of the Prophet" - Archnet Digital Library
   2. "Masjid al-Nabawi." Wikipedia.

from: www.sacred-destinations.com

Popular Mosque: Kairaouine Mosque, Fes morroco

The Kairaouine Mosque (Djemaa el Kairaouine) in Fes is the second-largest mosque in Morocco (after the new Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca) and gives Al-Azhar in Cairo a run for its money as the world's oldest university. Its minaret dates from 956 and is the oldest Islamic monument in Fes.

The Kairaouine is also the holiest mosque in Morocco and governs the timing of all Islamic festivals across the country. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the mosque.
History

The Kairaouine Mosque was founded in 857 by Fatima al-Fihri, the daughter of a wealthy refugee from the holy city of Kairouan in Tunisia. Fatima and her sister Mariam inherited a great deal of money from their father, and Fatima vowed to spend all of it on a suitable mosque for the Tunisian community in Fes.

The present form of the mosque, however, is mostly the result of a 10th-century reconstruction under Abd Er Rahman III, the Caliph of Cordoba, and a 12th-century reconstruction under the Almoravids.
What to See

Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the Kairaouine Mosque, but nobody seems to object to tourists peering in through the gates. It is nearly as difficult to get a good view of the exterior, due to the crowding of surrounding houses and shops.

The best possible view of the Kairaouine can be had from the roof of the Medersa el Attarin, which is only sometimes open to the public but you may be able to persuade the guardian to let you in.

The Kairaouine Mosque has two minarets: the original one and the Burj an-Naffara (Trumpeter's Tower). The original minaret is the oldest Islamic monument in Fes, dating from 956. It departs from the usual 5:1 height-width ratio and is slightly thinner than most.

The courtyard (sahn), which can be glimpsed from the Bab Wouroud near the entrance to the Medersa el Attarin, contains a pair of magnificent pavilions added by the Saadians in the 16th century. Modeled on the Court of the Lions in Granada's Alhambra palace, they may have been constructed by Spanish craftsmen.

In the center of the courtyard is a large fountain, and there are two smaller, 17th-century ones under porticoes at each side, based on fountains in the Alhambra at Granada. In the summer, the courtyard serves as the main prayer hall; it has its own mihrab directly opposite the main entrance. Behind the mihrab is a cedarwood screen decorated with kufic inscriptions and the hexagrams and six-pointed stars that form the Kairaouine's dominant zellij motif.

Beyond the cedarwood screen, hidden from the view of non-Muslims, is the main prayer hall of the mosque. The layout of the Kairaouine was much inspired by the Mezquita of Cordoba in Spain. Like its famous Spanish counterpart, the Kairaouine is filled with row upon row of round arches, dating from 956. But the interior is much more austere than the Mezquita and other important mosques - the arches are painted white instead of candy-cane stripes, the ceiling is simple and unadorned, and the floor is covered in simple reed mats instead of lush carpets.

The main aisle of the prayer area has no arches but is covered in five domes decorated under the Almoravids with stucco stalactites and kufic calligraphy. The designs become more and more elaborate as they lead to the mihrab, which is even more richly decorated than the domes. Hanging from the ceiling are splendid brass lamps, the largest of which was added by the Almohads in the early 13th century. The wooden minbar (pulpit) is also Almoravid, dating from 1144.
Quick Facts
Site Information
Names:     Kairaouine Mosque; Djemaa el Kairaouine; Mosque of al-Qarawiyyin; also spelled Kairouyine, Qaraouyine, Quarawin, Al-Qarawiyin, Karaouine, El Qaraouiyn
Location:    Fes, Morocco
Faith:    Islam
Category:     Mosques
Date:    857, 10th century, 12th century
Size:    Capacity: 20,000
Status:    active
Visitor Information
Address:    Fes el Bali (Medina), Fes, Morocco
Coordinates:     34.064719° N, 4.973239° W   (view on Google Maps)
Lodging:    View hotels near this location
Opening hours:    Always open for Muslims; non-Muslims not permitted to enter.
Cost:    Free

Note: This information was accurate when published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.
Travel Resources

    * Fes Map - our detailed interactive map of Fes, plus hand-picked links to more
    * Fes Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, and book at the guaranteed lowest price
    * Fes Guided Tours - sightseeing tours and activities in Fes

Founded in 1349, the Kairaouine's library is one of the oldest and most important in the world. Among its precious manuscripts are volumes from the famous Mut'ah of Malik written on gazelle parchment, the Sirat Ibn Ishaq, a copy of the Qur'an given to the university by Sultan Ahmed Al-Mansur Al-Dhahabi in 1602, and the original copy of Ibn Khaldun's book Al-'Ibar.
Quick Facts
Site Information
Names:     Kairaouine Mosque; Djemaa el Kairaouine; Mosque of al-Qarawiyyin; also spelled Kairouyine, Qaraouyine, Quarawin, Al-Qarawiyin, Karaouine, El Qaraouiyn
Location:    Fes, Morocco
Faith:    Islam
Category:     Mosques
Date:    857, 10th century, 12th century
Size:    Capacity: 20,000
Status:    active
Visitor Information
Address:    Fes el Bali (Medina), Fes, Morocco
Coordinates:     34.064719° N, 4.973239° W   (view on Google Maps)
Lodging:    View hotels near this location
Opening hours:    Always open for Muslims; non-Muslims not permitted to enter.
Cost:    Free

Note: This information was accurate when published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.
Travel Resources

    * Fes Map - our detailed interactive map of Fes, plus hand-picked links to more
    * Fes Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, and book at the guaranteed lowest price
    * Fes Guided Tours - sightseeing tours and activities in Fes

from: www.sacred-destinations.com

Grand Mosque of Medan ( Mosque Agung at Medan )

Grand Mosque of Medan, which is inherited from the Deli Sultanate, has three popular designation of Masjid al-Mashun, Deli Mosque, and the Great Mosque in Medan.

Places of worship congregation was built by Sultan Al Rashid Perkasa Alam (Sultan Deli) in 1906. Design a building designed by Dutch architect, JA Tingdeman, that carries the style of the building Morocco, North Africa. The entire cost of construction of the mosque is estimated to reach one million guilders.

Because the Kingdom was built as a mosque, a place of worship was made so majestic. At that time, the Sultan of principled, splendor main mosque more than his own palace.

masjidagungmedanSaat this, besides being a center of Muslim worship in the city of Medan, Masjid Al Mashun become tourist destination visited by domestic and foreign tourists.

One of the advantages of this mosque is its original form, has not undergone specific changes. Masjid Al-Mashun be characteristic of Medan and is one of the most beautiful mosques in Indonesia.

The mosque building is divided into three, main hall, where the ablutions, and the entrance gate. The main hall is used as a place of prayer, eight square shape is not the same side.

The left side (south-east) and right (north-east), the main prayer hall dikelingi by the gang. This gang has a row of openings (windows no leaves) arch which stands on the beam.

A sketch of the octagon in the main room is shown with cylindrical columns at each corner point of marble. The columns supporting the shape and decorative plengkung patterned Moorish and Arabesque.

On the right side (north-east) there is a mosque minaret with a unique shape, with a square floor plan that supports the cylindrical-shaped upper part. Minaret body decoration is a mixture model of Egypt, Iran, and Arab.

Gothic influence is also present in this mosque, among others, appear on the top of berambang broken window, at the top there is a circular aperture. Mihrab is quite beautiful, made of marble and topped by a pointed dome.

The mosque is widely used for events such as dhikr tabligh akbar akbar and colossal nature. This mosque is a mosque endowments managed by the Great Mosque Foundation. In the month of Ramadan, the activities of remembrance are often held in place with this. Then on the night will be held Takbir takbiran akbar.

Location pride Mosque is located at Jalan Medan Akhmad Yani, which became centers of trade since the Dutch colonial era. In this place you can find a number of Dutch colonial era heritage buildings. Call it the home merchant Tjong A Fie, Restaurant Tip Top, and the Post Office building.

After praying at the mosque, pilgrims can travel to enjoy the historic buildings.
from: liburs.com
another pic

pic from taufan.posterous.com

Gopeng New Mosque

Masjid Jamek Baru Gopeng or Gopeng New Mosque is a community mosque located off Jalan Gopeng (Gopeng Road) in the town of Gopeng, Mukim Teja of the Kinta District, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia. It was built to provide larger space for the local Muslims to pray particularly Friday Prayers due to the insufficient of space in the previous Masjid Jamek Gopeng. Furthermore the convenient location of the mosque and its more proper space planning makes it is the right decision for many to held religious activities at this mosque instead of the old mosque.

Earlier, there was no minaret built for the mosque. However, a minaret was built to complete the mosque after a very long halt. A cendol kiosk will be around weekly for the Friday Prayers. The only disadvantages of the whole project is the exit point from the compound is excessively narrow and extremely congested during Friday Prayers and there are no proper zebra crossings for people to cross the road. It is dangerous for pedestrians particularly the Gopeng senior folks.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Plosokuning mosque building, Yogyakarta Indonesia

A. Overview

At first glance there is nothing special in this Jami'Plosokuning mosque building, one-story building has a cupola, tower, porch, chancel, until the gong and drum in it. Mosque Pathok Nagari Sulthoni Plosokuning standing on the ground Yogyakarta Sultanate covering 2,500 square meters. At the time of founding, building area of ​​288 m2 only mosques, but after the development of mosque building developed into an area of ​​328 m2. Among the five Masjid Sultan Palace Pathok property Nagari, Nagari Pathok Mosque "Sulthoni" in Plosokuning is the most preserved building that crowned the preservation of cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of RI.

History Pathok Negoro Mosque Plosokuning Amangkurat stems from a history of IV as King of Mataram Islam who ruled in 1719-1727 AD He has three sons namely, Raden Mas Ichsan, Prince Duke Anom, and Prince Mangkubumi. Anom Duke Prince became King with a degree Pakubuwono II with capital Surakarta Sultanate (1727-1749 AD). After going Giyanti treaty in 1755 AD, Prince Mangkubumi (younger brother Pakubuwono II) was appointed with the title of King of Yogyakarta Sultan Hamengkubuwono Ngayogyokarto I with capital of Sultanate (1755-1792 AD). Lane after I died, then was replaced by Sultan Hamengkubuwono II, who ruled in 1792-1812. Then replaced by Hamengkubuwono III who ruled in 1812-1814. He is the father of prince Diponegoro. In the reign of this Sultan, Great Mosque Plosokuning established, namely when Kyai Raden Mustafa (Hanafi I) became Abdi Dalem Ngayogyakarta Palace, located in Plosokuning.

Mosque Pathok Nagari Sulthoni Plosokuning established after construction of the Great Mosque in Yogyakarta, so that it mimics the form of the Grand Mosque mosque as one of the mosque's legitimate business Yogyakarta Sultanate. This equation is also supported by several components in it such as the mihrab, gong and drum.

The name itself is taken from the name Plosokuning Ploso tree that has yellow leaves. First, the location of these trees were approximately at about 300 yards east of the mosque, but now it does not exist. One thing that is interesting from this village is until now the area around the mosque, occupied only by people who still have a lineage with Kyai Mursodo. The area around the mosque known as Mutihan areas that have a meaning as a place to stay white people or students. The area around the mosque, called Mutihan area is also known as Yellow Jero Ploso area, which is only occupied by people who have blood ties with the founder of the mosque. While the area is some distance from the mosque called Yellow Ploso Jobo.

In the current development, traditional architecture has undergone many changes and one of the causes of all is the inclusion of modern architecture in Indonesia. The above also affect the existing mosque Pathok Nagari. On the first floor of the mosque were plastered with cement usual red, then in 1976 the mosque floor was replaced with plain tiles. So also with doors and walls made replacement in 1984. Once the wall thickness of two stone walls of the mosque, but due to continuously eroded now lives a stone. Previously there was only one mosque door and very low which causes the mosque into a dark room. Low door is intended for everyone who enters the mosque should be bent and show a sense of manners and courtesy towards the mosque. The situation thus causing the room in the mosque into darkness, so that in 1984 plus the mosque entrance into 3 parts and added windows in the room in the mosque.

In 2000 the Mosque Plosokuning undergoing renovation on 4 main pillars and a few other elements. In 2001, the Provincial Department of Culture back DIY renovation mosque on the porch and place of ablution. In this year also society as a self-help replace the mosque with a ceramic tile floor, install konblok in the yard and set up a speaker tower.
At certain moments, in the mosque was also carried out religious activities attended by the family palace, such as Bukhorenan tradition. This tradition has become part of a sustainable tradition of palace until now. The purpose and no other purpose was to study the teachings and guidance of the Prophet to read and understand the hadith-hadith found in Sahih Bukhari.

B. Feature

The mosque has a characteristic Pathok Nagari roofed canopy with an overlap of two. Crown mosques also have in common, that is made of clay and the roof of the mosque are made of shingle. The difference indicates that the amount of overlap in the mosque Pathok nagari lower position compared with the Great Mosque of Yogyakarta which has a canopy roof bertumpang three. Other characteristics of the typical mosque Pathok Nagari is in each mosque there are swimming around, and there kecik sapodilla tree that is in the pulpit of the mosque.

Of the five existing mosque, Masjid only Pathok Nagari Plosokuning are until now still retain their original shape. Authenticity Pathok Nagari Plosokuning Mosque can be seen on the roof where there is a crown on top of a rod spiral made of clay, and is still attached at the top of the roof of the mosque. First, cover the roof of the mosque using shingle roof shingles but was later replaced with tiles in 1946.

The mosque is also still adhered to the old custom in which the call to prayer during Friday prayers performed 2 times. Previously, around 1950 the first call to prayer carried by five people at once and the second call to prayer is one of them. So is the preaching is done by using the Arabic language. New in 1960, the indigenous change, originally muezzin has 5 to 2 people, but prayer is still being done 2 times. Sermons are also replaced by using the Java language. At the gate, the gate of this mosque has a staircase. The first three steps show that Islam is composed of 3 elements of the Faith, Islam and ikhsan. On 5 second steps showed that the pillars of Islam that there are 5 in 6 steps while the third shows that there are 6 pillars of faith.

C. Location

Mosque Pathok Nagari Sulthoni located on Jl. Plosokuning Raya No. 99, Village Minomartani, choosed District, Sleman District, Yogyakarta.

D. Access

Mosque Pathok Nagari Sulthoni Plosokuning located about 10 km to the north of Yogyakarta Kingdom. For those of you who bring a personal vehicle, the Mosque Nagari Plosokuning this can be taken from Yogyakarta. From the airport Special, you can go to the Ringroad East and go north toward Market Condong Chess and before there down the road, you turn left to find the back fork, you can turn right and continue straight toward Minomartani.

E. Ticket Prices

If visitors want to come to the mosque peg this Plosokuning Nagari, not charged or even buy tickets. For visitors who are Muslim, you can lead a prayer in this mosque and follow a number of religious activities. If you'd like to know more about the Mosque peg Plosokuning Nagari, you can go to the secretariat office.

F. Accommodation and Other Facilities

In front of the mosque there are two pools with a depth of 3 meters. Any person who will enter the mosque must first purification in the pond. Another meaning of 2 pools this is when we should study deeply. Currently, the pool is also used to preserve fish and to wash their feet before entering the mosque.

Inside the mosque, there is an old pulpit made of teak wood ornamentation on the handle rostrum. The chancel is also equipped with a stick used by the preacher at the time of giving sermons that are still used.


Text: Andreas Eko Wahyu S
Photo: Collection Jogjatrip.com
(Primary data and various sources)

The Great Mosque Kotagede Yogyakarta

A. Overview

Kotagede is one of the old city of Yogyakarta. Many historical relics can be found there, one of which is Kotagede Great Mosque, the oldest Islamic place of worship in Yogyakarta. Kotagede Mosque was built in the era of the kingdom of Mataram in 1640 by Sultan Agung together with local people who are generally in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Entering the Mosque of the page there is an old banyan tree that has reached hundreds of years old. Old banyan or "Wringin Sepuh" is considered the local community as the bearer of blessing tree. One's desire, according to the story, will be met if not imprisoned under the tree to get two leaves fall, one face down and one more outstretched. In the vicinity of this banyan tree there is a ditch that surrounds the mosque. In the past, the trench is used as a place of ablution, but now used as a pond.

The mosque which has hundreds of years old has an inscription that says that the mosque was built in two stages. The first stage which was built during Sultan Agung only form the core of building a small mosque so that when it is called broken. The second phase of the mosque was built by King Kasunanan Surakarta, Pakubuwono X. The difference of the mosque built by Sultan Agung and Pakubowono X is on its pillar. Section noble Sultan built wooden poles while the poles are built Pakubowono made of iron.

B. Feature

The mosque which has hundreds of years old He still looks alive. Residents still use it as a place to carry out religious activities. The building of this mosque is a form of tolerance Sultan Agung on the residents who helped build the mosque that is still embraced Hinduism and Buddhism. This is evidence that the attitude of tolerance has been established since long in this country. Typical of Hindu and Buddhist influence is still evident as the building of this mosque-shaped gate paduraksa.

The mosque is the main building is a building shaped Limasan Java, character can be seen in pyramid-shaped roof and the room is divided into two, namely the core and the porch. Another feature of this mosque was held on the outside, that there is a long Bedug. Bedug old age is not defeated by the Mosque. First drum was a gift from Nyai Pringgit hitherto still sound as a marker of time praying.

A pulpit to preach that is made of beautifully carved wood materials can be found on the inside of the mosque. The chancel was a gift from the Sultan of Palembang to the Sultan Agung, but the original pulpit is not used anymore. Meanwhile, if you walk in the courtyard, will be found a difference in building the wall around the mosque. The wall section consists of brick left a larger size with deep red color, and there are stones like marble surface is written in Java script. While another wall has a brick-colored slightly younger, smaller size, and plain. The wall that is on the left the mosque that was built during Sultan Agung, while another wall is the result of renovation Pakubowono X. The wall that was built during Sultan Agung adhesive palm water that can help so much stronger.

C. Location

Kotagede Great Mosque is located at Jalan Watu Gilang, Kotagede, Yogyakarta

D. Access

Great Mosque Kotagede is not too far from Kotagede Market. You can use a private vehicle or public transportation. To achieve this the Great Mosque Kotagede you just need a little patience when passing through the street in front of Kotagede Market which is always crowded and jammed. From Market Kotagede you can go directly to the west of Market street, after which it continued to follow the Way Watu Gilang southwards to find a nameplate Kotagede Great Mosque and Tomb of King of Mataram Kotagede.

E. Ticket Prices

To be able to visit the Great Mosque Kotagede as the Oldest Mosque in Yogyakarta is you do not charge anything. For visitors who are Muslim, you can lead a prayer in this mosque and can trace the history of the kingdom of Mataram. If you'd like to know a lot about the Great Mosque Kotagede, you can go to the secretariat office.

F. Accommodation and Other Facilities

Besides can see the majesty of the oldest mosque in Yogyakarta, also bushwalking long history of the Mataram kingdom in Kotagede while enjoying the atmosphere. In the area of ​​the Great Mosque Kotagede have ample parking areas, parking rates charged to USD 1000.00 to USD 2000.00 for motorcycles and cars.

In addition to the parking area, this place also there are some stalls that sell the needs of tourists. A pavilion is also located on the front page of the mosque and Tomb of the Kings of Mataram. Not far away there are also a lot Kotagede Market sells food or drink, so after a pilgrimage to stop at this Kotagede Market.


Text: Eko Wahyu
Photo: Collection Jogjatrip.com
(Primary data and various sources)