The Majesty of Mosques: 12 Captivating Photos That Showcase Islamic Architecture

Mosques are known for their stunning architecture and intricate craftsmanship. From the grandeur of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, to the delicate beauty of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, mosques around the world showcase a diverse array of styles and designs. These stunning structures often feature ornate tile work, intricate carvings, and stunning domes and minarets that capture the beauty and spirit of Islamic art and design. The artistry and craftsmanship that goes into building these mosques is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Islamic world, and each mosque is a unique reflection of the history and traditions of the people who built it.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a mosque located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It was initiated by the country's first President, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who wanted to create a symbol of unity and diversity for the Islamic world. It is one of the largest mosques in the world, with a capacity for over 40,000 worshippers. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at sunset. Source: vladimirzhoga / Adobe Stock

Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque, also known as the Pink Mosque, is a mosque located in Shiraz, Iran. It was built in the late 19th century during the Qajar dynasty by the order of Mirza Hasan Ali Nasir al Molk. The mosque is famous for its stunning interior, with intricate stained-glass windows and colorful tiles that create a beautiful interplay of light and color. Source: Mazur Travel / Adobe Stock

The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the early 17th century during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I, and it is known for its beautiful blue tiles that adorn the interior walls. The mosque is an important example of Ottoman architecture, and it continues to be a popular tourist attraction and active mosque to this day. Source: Givaga / Adobe Stock.

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The Rock Mosque in Jerusalem is also known as the Dome of the Rock. It was built in the late 7th century by the Umayyad caliph Abd al-Malik. The mosque is located on the Temple Mount, which is considered a holy site by both Muslims and Jews, and it is known for its stunning architecture and gold-plated dome. Source: kirill4mula / Adobe Stock.

The Shah Jahan Mosque is a mosque located in Thatta, Pakistan. It was built in the 17th century during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who is also known for building the Taj Mahal in India. The mosque is known for its beautiful architecture, including intricate tile work and geometric patterns, and it continues to be an important site for the local Muslim community. The mosque is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Source: Farooq / Adobe Stock

The Kul Sharif Mosque is a mosque located inside the Kazan Kremlin, in Kazan, Russia. It was first built in the 16th century and was named after Qolşärif, a Tatar cleric who died defending Kazan against Russian forces in 1552. The mosque was destroyed during the siege, but it was reconstructed in the 1990s as part of an effort to restore Tatar cultural and religious landmarks in Kazan. Source: scaliger / Adobe Stock.

The Agha Bozorg Mosque is a mosque located in Kashan, Iran. It was built in the late 18th century during the Qajar dynasty by Ustad Haj Sa'ban-ali. The mosque is known for its beautiful architecture, including intricate tile work, and is a popular tourist attraction in Kashan. Source: efired / Adobe Stock.

Mosaic decoration at the entrance of Saint Petersburg Mosque in Russia. It was built in the early 20th century, from 1909 to 1920, under the patronage of the last Russian tsar, Nicholas II, to honor the Muslim soldiers who fought for the Russian Empire. The mosque is known for its beautiful blue dome and minarets, and it continues to be an important site for the city's Muslim community. Source: mitzo_bs / Adobe Stock.

The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum located in Agra, India. It was commissioned in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is considered one of the world's most beautiful and iconic buildings, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Source: Sean Hsu / Adobe Stock.

The Hagia Sophia is a former cathedral, mosque, and now museum located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was first built in the 6th century during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, and it was the largest cathedral in the world at the time. The Hagia Sophia is known for its stunning dome, intricate mosaics, and rich history as a symbol of both Christian and Islamic faiths. Source: blackdiamond67 / Adobe Stock.

The Imam Mosque, also known as the Shah Mosque, is a mosque located in Isfahan, Iran. It was built in the early 17th century during the Safavid dynasty by the order of Shah Abbas I, and it is known for its intricate tile work and stunning architecture. The mosque is an important example of Persian Islamic architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Source: Hamdan Yoshida / Adobe Stock.

Hast Imam Square, also known as Hazrati Imam, is a religious complex located in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. It includes several important Islamic sites, including the Barak-Khan Madrasah, the Tillya Sheikh Mosque, and the Islamic Institute of Imam al-Bukhari. The square is an important pilgrimage site for Muslims and a popular tourist attraction, and it is known for its beautiful architecture and historical significance. Source:  TTstudio / Adobe Stock

Top image: Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey. Source: yusuftatliturk / Adobe Stock

By Joanna Gillan