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360 Degree Virtual Tours of the Hagia Sophia

in Architecture , Art , History , Travel | August 23rd, 2021 2 Comments

Last year, when Turk­ish pres­i­dent Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced that Hagia Sophia would be recon­vert­ed into a mosque, he assured a con­cerned UNESCO that changes to the 1,500-year-old for­mer cathe­dral-turned-mosque would have “no neg­a­tive impact” on its sta­tus as World Her­itage Site. “A state must make sure that no mod­i­fi­ca­tion under­mines the out­stand­ing uni­ver­sal val­ue of a site list­ed on its ter­ri­to­ry,” the world body has said. Claims to the con­trary notwith­stand­ing, the “uni­ver­sal val­ue” of the site does seem to have been under­mined.

Des­ig­nat­ed a muse­um by the sec­u­lar Turk­ish Repub­lic in 1934, the site con­tains hun­dreds of years of his­to­ry for both the Chris­t­ian and Islam­ic worlds, and the shared her­itage between them in the shift­ing mix of peo­ples who con­quered, set­tled, and moved through the city first called Byzan­tium, then Con­stan­tino­ple, then Istan­bul.

“The World Her­itage site was at the cen­tre of both the Chris­t­ian Byzan­tine and Mus­lim Ottoman empires and is today one of Turkey’s most vis­it­ed mon­u­ments,” Reuters not­ed last year.

The mosque is open to the pub­lic for prayers , and any­one can vis­it. What they’ll find — as you can see in this recent tour video  — is ugly green car­pet­ing cov­er­ing the floor, and screens, pan­els, and ply­wood obscur­ing the Byzan­tine Chris­t­ian art. (The same thing was done in the small­er Hagia Sophia in the city of Tra­b­zon .) These changes are not only dis­tress­ing for UNESCO, but also for lovers of art and his­to­ry around the world, myself includ­ed, who had hoped to one day see the mil­len­nia-and-a-half of blend­ed reli­gious and aes­thet­ic tra­di­tions for them­selves.

It’s pos­si­ble Turk­ish pol­i­tics will allow Hagia Sophia to return to its sta­tus as a muse­um in the future, restor­ing its “uni­ver­sal val­ue” for world his­to­ry and cul­ture. If not, we can still vis­it the space vir­tu­al­ly — as it was until last year — in the 360 degree video views above, both of which allow you to look around in any direc­tion as they play. You can also swiv­el around a spher­i­cal panoram­ic image at 360 cities .

The BBC video at the top nar­rates some of the sig­nif­i­cant fea­tures of the incred­i­ble build­ing, once the largest church in the world, includ­ing its “col­ored mar­ble from around the Roman Empire” and “10,000 square meters of gold mosa­ic.” Learn much more about Hagia Sophia his­to­ry in the video above from Khan Academy’s exec­u­tive direc­tors (and for­mer deans of art and his­to­ry), Dr. Steven Zuck­er and Dr. Beth Har­ris.

Relat­ed Con­tent:  

An Intro­duc­tion to Hagia Sophia: After 85 Years as a Muse­um, It’s Set to Become a Mosque Again

Hear the Sound of the Hagia Sophia Recre­at­ed in Authen­tic Byzan­tine Chant

Istan­bul Cap­tured in Beau­ti­ful Col­or Images from 1890: The Hagia Sophia, Top­ka­ki Palace’s Impe­r­i­al Gate & More

Josh Jones  is a writer and musi­cian based in Durham, NC. Fol­low him at  @jdmagness

by Josh Jones | Permalink | Comments (2) |

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Comments (2), 2 comments so far.

I vis­it­ed twice in August. At least the green car­pet is vac­u­umed con­stant­ly and before pray begins for the hand­ful of wor­shipers men in dark secu­ri­ty-look­ing uni­forms uncer­e­mo­ni­ous­ly chase peo­ple away with larg­er san­i­tiz­ing sprayers like mos­qui­toes. At least the chil­dren can have fun jump­ing over the taught vac­u­um cords. Lest we get dan­ger­ous­ly close to the apse there are long col­lapsi­ble met­al secu­ri­ty gates keep­ing one at a safe dis­tance; not only here in the cen­tral part of the nave, but thank­ful­ly every oth­er key place avail­able for wor­ship. As an aid to med­i­ta­tion the plush but sen­si­bly piled car­pet dead­ens all sound with­in the once holy realm as those annoy­ing acoustics are now a thing of the past. Thought­ful for the wheel­chair-bound vis­i­tor, the old treach­er­ous ramp to the gallery and famed mosaics is closed so no need to wor­ry about acci­dents. What will they think of next!

Aya­so­fya, ben­im evimdir ve izin­siz olarak giren hırsızdır, günahkardır, ve bedel öder. Sözde müs­lü­man­ların, ibadet­leri­ni, Allah, yıl­lardır, bu, yüz­den kab­ul etmiy­or. Dünyalılar, baş­ka bedeller de ödeye­cek. ben gök­lere ait olan yüce biriy­im. Bana muhale­fet eden, Allah’a isyan etmiş sayılır. Aya­so­fya’­da kab­ul olmayan ibadet­leri­ni gös­ter­iş için yapan, sözde müs­lü­man artık­ları, değer­siz dur, elbet. Ben onları affet­meye­ceğim, hakkımı helal etmiy­o­rum. Lan­et olsun, malımı mülkümü haince gas­pe­den­lere!

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View Masjid an-Nabawi 360 View (VR)

Masjid an-Nabawi 360 View : Get ready to explore one of the holiest sites in the world with a virtual reality (VR) tour of Masjid an-Nabawi!

Table of Contents

Located in Medina, Saudi Arabia, this mosque is the burial place of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and is considered a sacred pilgrimage site for Muslims around the world. Now you can experience this holy site from the comfort of your own home.

With a 360-degree view of the mosque and its grounds, you can explore the architecture and history of this important religious site.

To go full screen:

• Desktop: Right click on it and click “full screen”
• Mobile: Long press the video and tap “full screen”

Feel the spirituality of the place, and get a better understanding of its significance to millions of Muslims worldwide. Join us on a virtual reality tour of Masjid an-Nabawi, and experience the beauty and majesty of this sacred site.

Exploring the Mosque and Its Grounds

As you enter the mosque, you’ll be greeted by the beautiful architecture and the surrounding gardens. You can explore the various courtyards and gardens that make up this site, and learn more about the history and significance of the place.

You can also explore the prayer areas, and see where the Prophet Muhammad PBUH used to lead prayer.

You can also explore the roof of the mosque, where you’ll be able to take in the spectacular views of the entire place. You can explore all areas of the mosque, and even walk inside some of the walls to see the intricate designs and patterns on the inside.

Explore the mosque and the surrounding areas, and get a better understanding of the history and significance of this important religious site.

Exploring the Architecture and History

As you explore the mosque and its surroundings, you’ll also be able to learn more about the architecture of the place. You can explore the different domes and roofs, and get a better understanding of the significance of these architectural elements.

You can also explore the iwans, which are ornate and decorative doorways and the mihrabs, which are ornate and decorative prayer niches. Visit the various architectural elements and learn more about the significance and history of the mosque.

Exploring the Islamic Art and Decoration

You will discover intricate Islamic artwork and embellishments throughout the mosque and the surrounding area as you explore it. Take a closer look at the mashq, the ornamental gabled roof, and the mashrabiya, the decorative wooden screen.

Explore the muqarnas, the elaborate ceilings and wall decorations. Prepare yourself to be amazed by the artistry and decoration of this important religious site.

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Step Inside the Muhammad Ali Mosque in Cairo: A Virtual Tour

• February 15, 2023

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Located in the heart of Cairo , Egypt , the Muhammad Ali Mosque is an incredible example of Islamic architecture. Built in the 19th century and named after a former ruler of Egypt , Muhammad Ali Pasha , the mosque is considered to be one of the most important landmarks in Cairo . Visitors will admire its majestic domes and minarets, exquisite interior design, and breathtaking views of the city . In this post, we’ll examine the mosque in more detail, examining its history, architecture, and tips for visiting. We’ll also give you a virtual tour of this location .

Table of Contents

What is the Muhammad Ali Mosque?

The Muhammad Ali Mosque , also known as the Alabaster Mosque , is a famous religious and architectural masterpiece located in Cairo , Egypt . Built between 1830 and 1848 , the mosque stands as a testament to the cultural and historical significance of Islamic architecture. It was commissioned by Muhammad Ali Pasha, the ruler of Egypt at the time, who sought to create a grand mosque that would rival the famous mosques of Istanbul .

Why is the Muhammad Ali Mosque Famous?

The Muhammad Ali Mosque is famous for several reasons. Its impressive design blends elements of Ottoman and Islamic architecture by featuring elegant domes, tall minarets, and exquisite details. The mosque’s location on the Citadel of Cairo adds to its fame, offering stunning views of Cairo’s skyline .

Today, the Muhammad Ali Mosque attracts visitors from around the world who come to admire its beautiful architecture and interior, as well as appreciate the panoramic views of the surrounding area. It stands as an iconic landmark in Cairo , a symbol of Egypt’s rich cultural heritage, and a testament to the grandeur of Islamic art and architecture .

Where is the Muhammad Ali Mosque?

The Muhammad Ali Mosque is located in Cairo , Egypt . It was built on the Citadel of Cairo , a historic Islamic fortress that overlooks the city. Situated in the northeastern part of Cairo’s city center, the mosque offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the Nile River and the busy streets of Cairo . Its prominent location and impressive architecture make it a significant landmark and a popular attraction for both locals and visitors.

How to Get to the Muhammad Ali Mosque

The most convenient way to get to the Muhammad Ali Mosque is by taking a taxi or using a ride-hailing service . You can find taxis everywhere in Cairo. Uber is also very common. You won’t have to worry about directions as every driver will know how to get there .

By public transport

You can also take a local bus to the Citadel of Cairo . Look for buses that are headed towards Salah Salem Street or the Citadel , and tell the driver that you want to get off at the Muhammad Ali Mosque . Bus tickets generally cost around 10 pounds (about $.30 USD).

Another option to reach the Muhammad Ali Mosque is by utilizing Cairo’s metro system . Take Line 2 and get off at the Sadat station . From there, you can hire a taxi or a local bus to reach the Citadel of Saladin. I don’t recommend trying to walk from this metro station (like I did) because it takes about an hour and is along the highway .

Via guided tour

If you want to have everything handled for you, consider taking a guided tour. You can find these everywhere you look, from hotels to other famous landmarks. I recommend checking Tripadvisor .

History of the Muhammad Ali Mosque

When was the muhammad ali mosque built.

The construction of the Muhammad Ali Mosque took place between 1830 and 1848 . 

Why was the Muhammad Ali Mosque built?

The mosque was commissioned by Muhammad Ali Pasha , the ruler of Egypt at that time , with the purpose of commemorating the Ottoman-Turkish invasion of Egypt and honoring his eldest son who had passed away .

Architectural influence and design

The mosque’s architectural style is a fusion of Ottoman, Mamluk, and modern elements . It was designed by Yousuf Bushnak , an architect who incorporated grandeur and intricate details into the structure. The mosque’s exquisite details and features reflect the wealth and power that Muhammad Ali possessed.

Controversy and opposition

Despite its grandeur, the construction of the Muhammad Ali Mosque faced opposition from religious leaders of the era. They believed the mosque was excessively lavish and deviated from the principles of modesty . Additionally, the use of expensive alabaster stone and the possible sourcing of limestone from the pyramids caused financial strain and further controversy.

Virtual Tour of the Muhammad Ali Mosque

Architectural features of the Muhammad Ali Mosque

Ottoman-inspired design.

The mosque’s awe-inspiring splendor has drawn comparisons to renowned Middle Eastern mosques like the Hagia Sophia and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque . It exemplifies the lavish style of Ottoman architecture , characterized by its impressive size and intricate detailing.

Impressive dome and minarets

At the heart of the mosque is a massive central dome , measuring 21 meters in diameter and rising 52 meters high . This impressive dome is supported by four colossal arches, surrounded by smaller domes and half-domes . Towering above the city, the mosque’s minarets reach an impressive height of 82 meters.

Exterior and hilltop location

Constructed on a raised hill, the Muhammad Ali Mosque commands attention with its elevated position. This gives visitors a remarkable vantage point to view the city below. The mosque’s exterior is crafted from white alabaster stone , which gives it an impressive aura when illuminated at night .

Ornate interior and decorations

Stepping inside, visitors are greeted with a lavishly decorated interior . The walls are adorned with verses from the Quran , while the floors are made of marble . Colorful stained glass windows surround the inside of the domes. Intricately patterned columns provide structural support, adding to the overall splendor. A notable centerpiece is the magnificent chandelier , generously gifted by the French government, suspended from the central dome.

Muhammad Ali Mosque: FAQs

1. muhammad ali mosque entrance fee.

The cost to enter the mosque is 200 Egyptian Pounds (about $6.50 USD) . There are some exceptions and discounts available. For example, students only have to pay 100 Egyptian Pounds to enter.

2. Muhammad Ali Mosque opening hours

The mosque is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm. However, visiting the main prayer hall has specific hours : Non-Muslim visitors can access the prayer hall between 9 am and 11 am , as well as from 1 pm to 4 pm .

3. Muhammad Ali Mosque dress code

In order to enter the mosque, you must have your knees and shoulders covered. Women must have their hair covered with a scarf. Obviously, do not wear clothing that depict anything vulgar .

Tips for Visiting

Before you visit the Muhammad Ali Mosque , here are some tips to make your visit go more smoothly.

1. If you are a student, bring your ID

The cost to enter the mosque is 200 Egyptian Pounds (about $6.50 USD) . Students only have to pay 100 Egyptian Pounds to enter. I brought my ID just in case, but they did not even check .

2. Wear shoes with socks

You are not allowed to wear shoes on the mosque floors, so you can either pay a small fee to put bags over your shoes, or just carry your shoes with you . I’m all about saving money, so I just carried my shoes and it was no big deal. But I would not recommend you walk around barefoot, so bring socks .

3. Don't take a lot of baggage with you

All visitors must have their belongings scanned/searched before entering the mosque. I visited during a layover, so I had all of my belongings with me. I was still able to enter, but getting everything searched was a pain .

4. Bring water and snacks

There is a vendor next to the mosque selling food, water, and souvenirs. Predictably, everything is overpriced. Bringing refreshments from elsewhere will help you save money.

5. Download Google Translate or a similar app

If you do not know Arabic, having one of these apps will help you out a lot . You’ll be able to translate some of the signs at the mosque, ask people questions, etc. If you decide to get a tour guide, you can try to bargain down the price with some Arabic.

Need help planning your trip? Click HERE to find a variety of tools and information that can help make your travel planning more enjoyable.

Resources for your trip.

Book A Cheap Flight The first place to look for cheap flights is Skyscanner . This website gathers information from different companies and websites around the world to find the best deals for you. One of their best features is the ability to see the cheapest day to fly each month. Google Flights is another excellent resource.

Book A Place To Stay Booking.com is my go-to website for booking accommodations. They consistently have some of the best prices for hotels and frequently have deals. For hostels, I use Hostelworld . If you specifically want to rent a home, check out AirBnB or Vrbo .

Looking For A Tour? The best resource for looking up tours is GetYourGuide . This company will make planning your itinerary a breeze. For budget travelers , I recommend looking up available tours here and trying to organize them yourself to save some money.

Use Your Phone Abroad Whenever I travel abroad, I use Airalo . This is a company that offers eSIM services via a phone app. It is very convenient and you won’t have to worry about swapping SIM cards out of your phone. You can pay a few dollars for plans that range from 1 week to 1 year. Use the Promo Code ANDREW9734 for $3 off your first purchase!

How To Travel On A Budget? Traveling on a budget is my specialty. Check out my post on Traveling Internationally With Only A Personal Item . For other ideas on saving money while traveling, check out my ebook The World Is Yours: How to Afford International Travel on a Budget .

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Andy Alcala

Hey there! I'm a travel enthusiast always seeking new adventures. I've visited over 70 countries, mostly in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. I prefer to travel off the beaten path, where I've discovered hidden gems and authentic cultural experiences that are often overlooked by most travelers. I look forward to sharing my stories with you!

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Virtual Tour of Mecca and the Masjid al-Haram (Great Mosque)

Thu, Jan 14, 2021, 7:30 to 9 pm Eastern Standard Time (UTC-5)

Tickets ($18+$2.73 fee) here .

Join a live guide as we take a virtual and historic tour of Mecca and the mosque

From the comforts of your own home, take a virtual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the site of pilgrimage in the Hajj, Though the site of Mohammed’s birthplace is strictly off-limits to much of the world, this evening we will virtually experience Islam’s holiest city and most revered mosque.

The pillars of Islam require all Muslims to partake in the Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca. While visiting this holy city, we will learn about its ancient history as we also take a modern-day virtual tour through its streets and epicenters such as the Mountain of Light, the Black Stone and the Well of Zamzam Of course, we will a special virtual visit to the site of Masjid Al Haram, the Holy Mosque and ultimate destination in the Hajj.

Note: All Zoom links to attend the tour will be sent 30 minutes before the event (to the email you register with).

Blue Trunk Foundation

Travel for Everybody

• Mar 25, 2022

Explore Istanbul, Turkey: A Virtual and Accessible Tour

This week we are heading to Turkey to explore one of its most beautiful and fascinating cities, Istanbul. Originally the center of the Byzantine Empire, Istanbul has been the center of much historical captivation and inquiry. Its rich cultural background makes it incredibly unique. We are also trying to make sure the content we suggest is accessible in different ways. Although it can be difficult to find websites that are fully accessible, we review many to offer you the ones that are the most accessible. As always, if you find barriers or have suggestions please reach out to us at [email protected] and let us know so that we can improve!

Visit the Museums and Sites

Istanbul has many architecture and buildings with historical value. Some of these were built with religion in mind. One of the most famous structures in the world is the Aya Sofya, also known as the Hagia Sophia, which was created as a center for religious, cultural, and political life during the Byzantine times. The Aya Sofya’s virtual walking tour can be accessed through the link here , and a blog detailing its history and contents can be accessed through the link here .

Another famed religious building in Istanbul is the Suleymaniye Mosque, commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent and designed by the imperial architect Mimar Sinan. It is truly a wonderful bridge back to the Ottoman Empire. A virtual walking tour of the mosque can be accessed through a link here , and a blog about the Suleymaniye Mosque can be found through a link here .

The Blue Mosque is popular among tourists and lovers of Istanbul, mostly because of its beautiful Byzantine architecture and because of its continued status as an active mosque. It was built in the early 17th century Ahmed 1, and is known for its blue tiles surrounding the walls of the interior. A virtual tour with closed captions is linked here , and an article discussing the history of the mosque is linked here .

Of course, Istanbul is also known for its museums and interesting artifacts of its days of old. The Istanbul Archaeology Museum Complex is one of these museums, actually being made up of three museums, and holding some of the most valuable collections to Istanbul and Turkish history. A walking tour of the complex is linked here , and a blog going over the background of the museum complex can be accessed here.

Another museum, the Chora Museum, also known as the Kariye Mosque, boasts ornate designs and a captivating story. While originally built to serve as a Greek Orthodox church, it is now used as a mosque and a cultural center. The Chora Museum virtual tour can be accessed through the link here , and the virtual tour does include closed captions.

One impressive museum is found in the Topkapi Palace. In the 15th and the 16th centuries, the massive Topkapi Palace served as a residence and headquarters for the reigning sultans of the time. A link to the Topkapi Palace virtual walking tour can be found here, and a link to a blog about the Topkapi Palace can be accessed here .

Designed to serve the Great Palace and surrounding buildings, the Basilica Cistern was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian. The cistern lies underneath Istanbul, and is one of the largest ancient cisterns beneath the city. For a short virtual walking tour and explanation of the cistern’s history click the link here . The tour does include closed captions.

An integral part of Istanbul life and culture is the illustrious bazaars and open markets that keep the city alive and bustling. The Grand Bazaar is a notable one for that reason, being the largest closed markets in the entire world. Over 4,000 shops make up the Grand Bazaar, selling items like clothing, jewelry, rugs, and more. A walking tour of the Grand Bazaar is linked here , and a blog detailing the Grand Bazaar is linked here for your enjoyment.

Another bazaar of note is the Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar. One of the largest bazaars in the city, the Spice Bazaar’s claim to fame is its huge collection of spices, Turkish caviar, nuts, and other delicacies. A link to a virtual walking tour of the Spice Bazaar can be found here , and a link to a blog about the Spice Bazaar can be accessed here .

Tune in to Shows and Movies About Istanbul

There is a great variety of movies that take place in Istanbul. One of these is the classic James Bond flick, From Russia with Love , which uses Istanbul as a backdrop to Bond’s antics in the film. From Russia with Love can be found on Hulu with a subscription, linked here, and the movie includes closed captioning.

The Wind is a compelling Turkish film that takes its viewers on a journey into family, love, and understanding. It can be found on YouTube with English subtitles via the link here .

Topkapi is a riveting heist movie that involves the Topkapi Palace and a group of bold individuals wanting to steal an emerald-encrusted dagger. The film can be rented on YouTube via the link here , and the film includes closed captions.

Organize İşler , or Magic Carpet Ride , is a Turkish comedy film about a small-time criminal recruiting a failed Superman impersonator into his gang. The film can be accessed via a Netflix subscription with the link here , and includes closed captions.

Istanbul has also served as a catalyst for the production of numerous television shows. A historical take on the creation of the Ottoman Empire, the series Rise of Empires: Ottoman captures what Istanbul and Turkey were like centuries ago. Rise of Empires: Ottoman can be found on Netflix, linked here , through a subscription, and the show comes with captions and audio description.

The Protector is another show set in Istanbul, this time with a more fantasy oriented plot. Its main character, Hakan, finds out his connection to a secret ancient order, and is tasked with keeping Istanbul safe while also struggling in his Protector position. The series can be found on Netflix, linked here , with a subscription, and the show comes with captions.

Another drama centered series revolving around Istanbul, Ethos takes individuals from different backgrounds and follows them as their lives intertwine. Ethos can be watched on Netflix with a subscription, linked here , and the series includes closed captions.

Get Lost in Books About Istanbul

Istanbul has inspired the writings of many authors, encapsulated in a variety of different books. One such book is The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak, which follows the complex history of two families and their connection to their homeland. The book can be found on Amazon and Audible through the link here .

Istanbul: Memories and the City by Orhan Pamuk takes Pamuk’s real experiences with Istanbul and fashions a sort of self-portrait across his descriptions. Istanbul: Memories and the City can be found on Amazon and Audible through the link here .

Last Train to Istanbul: A Novel by Ayşe Kulin and translated by John W. Baker is a tale of love, Turkey, invasion, and the bonds of family. The novel can be found on Amazon and Audible through the link here .

Capturing the zeitgeist of Istanbul through various points in history, Istanbul: A Tale of Three Cities by Bettany Hughes tells the story of and transitions through Byzantium, Constantinople, and Istanbul. Istanbul: A Tale of Three Cities can be found on Amazon and Audible through the link here .

Finally, Istanbul Passage: A Novel by Joseph Kanon follows the main character, Leon, struggling with his identity in the espionage community in the backdrop of Istanbul during the years following the Second World War. The book can be found on Amazon and Audible through the link here .

Bring Istanbul to Your Kitchen

Istanbul and Turkey in general are known for some really delicious food and assortments of treats. One is the very popular doner kebab. We have found an awesome recipe for a vegan doner kebab sandwich, linked here , and it can be made gluten free by substituting regular bread for gluten free bread.

Another easy to make gluten free, nut free, and vegan dish is Turkish red lentil soup. This comforting meal is bound to fill you up, and can be made with a foolproof recipe that we have linked here .

Turkish Mücver, or Turkish zucchini fritters, are a tasty way to sneak more veggies into your diet. The recipe linked here is completely plant-based and gluten free, making this a good option for a vegan lunch or dinner.

An amazing and delicate dessert is the Turkish delight. We have found a great recipe for vegan and gluten free Turkish delights, linked here , that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you wanting more. To make this recipe nut free, simply omit the pistachios that the recipe asks for.

Where to Next?

Thanks for wandering Istanbul, Turkey with us virtually. Join us next time as we explore St. Petersburg.

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Virtual Tour of the Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE

The  360-degree virtual reality tour of the abu dhabi grand mosque  helps the visitors to explore this mosque online before the real visit..

It is named after the founder and first President of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He chose the location and took a substantial influence on the architecture and the design of the mosque. Based on his vision, the mosque was built with a rise of 11 meters above sea level, and 9.5 meters above the street level so that it is clearly visible from all directions.

History of the Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

As per the direction of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the mosque is located in the heart of the new Abu Dhabi, the capital city. On the 20th of December 2007, the mosque opened to the public.

After the first phase involving foundations and the concrete structure, the mosque was finished with a decoration of Greek and Italian white marble. For interior design, calligraphers from the United Arab Emirates, Syria, and Jordan supervised the work of artists from all over the world.

The mosque’s spectacularly decorated interior features unique plants designed specifically for the mosque, as well as verses from the Holy Quran. The designers used mosaic to cover the entire courtyard (17,000 square meters) and thus it is considered among the largest open spaces in mosques worldwide.

Another astonishing feature of the grand mosque is the over 5,625 m2 large carpet in the main prayer hall. It has been hand-knotted by about 1,300 Iranian craftsmen out of 35 tons of wool and 12 tons of cotton. With a total of 2,268,00 knots, the carpet is the largest in the world. Its estimated value is about 30 million.

Coloured with 25 natural colours, the green colour is predominant as it was the favourite colour of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The mosque is open for prayers all day long. For non-Muslim visitors, the visiting time is from 9 AM – 10 PM every day except for Friday mornings. Visit timing changes during the holy month of Ramadan.

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Have you ever wondered what Muslims do at the mosque?

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Facts about the mosque

Here are some details about Bur Dubai Grand Mosque

One of the oldest mosques in Dubai dating back to 1900.

It is located in Dubai’s historic Al Fahidi District.

It has over 50 domes and has a minaret measuring 70 M high.

The Mosque Areas

Curious about certain areas of the mosque? You can find some answers below.

a raised platform in the front area of a mosque, from which sermons or speeches are given

a niche in the wall of a mosque, at the point nearest to Mecca, toward which the congregation faces to pray

a tall slender tower with a balcony from which a muezzin calls Muslims to prayer

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Prophet's Mosque

Prophet's mosque - 3d virtual tour.

Prophet's Mosque virtual tours can be started by clicking the preview window or by downloading the stand-alone versions. Just drag the mouse to the direction you want to look. Use the scroll wheel to zoom at the details. Press F9 to get a list of the 3D sites you downloaded (residing in the same directory). To install the listed sites as a screensaver press F5 . Our advise is to install all the sites, including Prophet's Mosque , as a screensaver. When the screensaver starts, a random site is chosen and shown around automatically (this gives the impression of looking at a documentary in HD quality). To see the usage of other keys press F1 . Press Ecs to exit.

Al-Masjid al-Nabawi, often called the Prophet's Mosque, is a huge mosque situated in the city of al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia. As the final resting place of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, it is considered the second holiest site in The Prophet's Mosque is the second holiest mosque in the world after al-Haram in Mecca. (Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem comes in third.) It is a major pilgrimage site and many people who perform the Hajj go on to al-Madinah before or after Hajj to visit the mosque.

The original mosque was built by Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w), next to the house where he settled after his journey to al-Madinah in 622 AD. The original mosque was an open-air building with a raised platform for the reading of the Qur'an. It was a rectangular enclosure of 30 m × 35 m (98 ft × 110 ft), 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, Muhammad (s.a.w) created a shaded area to the south called the suffah and aligned the prayer space facing north towards Jerusalem. When the qibla (prayer direction) was changed to face the Kaaba in 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.

Abbasid Caliph al-Mahdi (775-785) replaced 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 Qalawun, a dome was erected above the tomb of Muhammad (s.a.w) and an ablution fountain was built outside of Bab al-Salam. Sultan Al-Nasir Muhammad rebuilt the fourth minaret that had been destroyed earlier. After a lightning strike destroyed much of the mosque in 1481, Sultan Qaitbay rebuilt the east, west and qibla walls.

During the reign of Ottoman Sultan Abdülmecid (1839-1861), the mosque was entirely remodeled with the exception of Muhammad's (s.a.w) 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 Muhammad's (s.a.w) Tomb. The domes were decorated with Qur'anic verses and lines from Qasida al-Burda (Poem of the Mantle), the famous poem by 13th century Arabic poet Busiri. The qibla wall was covered with glazed tiles featuring Qur'anic 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 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932, the mosque underwent several major modifications. In 1951 King Ibn Saud (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 Qur'ans 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. He also installed twenty seven moving domes at the roof of Masjid Nabawi.

Architecture

As it stands today, the 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 Muhammad (s.a.w) and can accommodate more than half a million worshippers.

The 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.

Plans for future buildings around the Prophet's Mosque.

The north facade has three evenly spaced porticos, while the east, west and south facades 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 new 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 open courtyard of the mosque can be shaded by folded, umbrella-like canopies.

Ar-Rawdah an-Nabawiyah

The heart of the mosque houses a very special but small area named ar-Rawdah an-Nabawiyah, which extends from Muhammad's (s.a.w) tomb to his pulpit. 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 season), as the tiny area can accommodate only a few hundred people. Ar-Rawdah has two small gateways manned by Saudi police officers. The current marble pulpit was constructed by the Ottomans. The original pulpit was much smaller than the current one, and constructed of palm tree wood, not marble. Ar-Rawdah an-Nabawiyah is considered part of Jannah (Heaven or Paradise).

It is prescribed for the one who visits the mosque to pray two rak’ahs in the Rawdah or whatever he wants of naafil prayers, because it is proven that there is virtue in doing so. It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that Muhammad (s.a.w) said: “The area between my house and my minbar is one of the gardens (riyaad, sing. rawdah) of Paradise, and my minbar is on my cistern (hawd)” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1196; Muslim, 1391.

And it was narrated that Yazeed ibn Abi ‘Ubayd said: “I used to come with Salamah ibn al-Akwa’ and he would pray by the pillar which was by the mus-haf, i.e. in the Rawdah. I said, ‘O Abu Muslim, I see that you are keen to pray by this pillar!’ He said, ‘I saw that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was keen to pray here.’” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 502; Muslim, 509.

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When it came time for prayers, the mosque was flooded with people.

• BY JACK BARLOW | Staff writer
• Copy article link

Breaking the fast, mosque style. Don't jump the gun, though.

The meal itself, after nearly 14 hours of no food or drink, was straightforward and delightful. 

A 'charging of the battery': A Baton Rouge reporter tries fasting, Ramadan-style

Jack Barlow

• Author email
• Apr 3, 2024
• 3 min to read

One month each year, a quarter of the world's population spends its daylight hours very hungry and feeling rather parched. Ramadan, which takes place this year from March 10 until April 9, is a central part of Islamic faith. It's a time to practice self-restraint, and while that encompasses a variety of aspects — like bad thoughts, words and deeds, and the catch-all "immoral behavior" — the one most people recognize is fasting.

Health-based exceptions aside, those partaking can generally neither eat nor drink from sunup to sundown. Advocate reporter Jack Barlow temporarily joined the world's estimated two billion Muslims to give the experience of fasting a shot.

The day before: Anxiety

The day before embarking upon my first ever fast, I was nervous. What if I faint? Moreover, what happens if I'm driving back along I-10 at 70 mph — on a Friday afternoon, no less — and then faint? Will I come away from this assignment, you know, dead?

The ridiculousness of that idea was obvious. Billions of people throughout history have gone through Ramadan just fine, and for a whole month, not just a day. Professional sportspeople, perhaps most prominently NBA players like Hakeem Olajuwon and Kyrie Irving, have taken to the court in front of millions of people while fasting for Ramadan.

As they say in my native New Zealand: Harden up.

Still, in order to help lessen any unnecessary anxiety, Emad Nofal, chairman of the Islamic Center of Baton Rouge, provided some tips the night before. "Early on, drink water," he said. "Drink lots of water." It would prove to be wise advice. 

Suhur, the predawn meal

One of the tricks to making it through the day is by partaking in suhur, a predawn meal. The trick is to go for things with staying power like fruit, yogurt and nuts. After dragging myself out of bed at 5:20 a.m. and staggering to the kitchen, I settled on two boiled eggs, whole-grain toast, a big glass of orange juice and, as per Nofal's suggestion, a whole lot of water.

Forcing a bunch of food down at that time of day isn't easy if you're not used to it ("A bit of reluctance from the ol' stomach," my notes read), and smashing a whole bunch of liquid isn't exactly comfortable, but its benefits would later become very clear.

But ... coffee? 

After napping for a couple hours, the morning unfolded pretty much as usual, with an array of meetings going smoothly, aside from a nagging sense of dry mouth. I did have to hide my coffee cup — its (perhaps semi-ironic) slogan, "Do what you like," began to feel like a taunt.

What I would have liked was a coffee, thank you very much.

Hitting a wall

The hours ticked by, morning gradually giving way to early afternoon. Dry mouth aside, things were actually OK, the early morning water intake doing its job surprisingly well. Not only will I probably not die, I began to think, but I might not even faint in front of the whole newsroom.

Then came 1:45 p.m. and, as if on schedule, things took a dive. Physically, dry mouth aside, I still felt surprisingly fine, but mentally was a different manner. I was writing a story that should have taken a couple of hours at most, but my progress ground abruptly to a halt. Sentences had to be written, then rewritten, then rewritten again. Messages to friends were also a struggle. Not that they didn't make sense, but key details would go missing, words misspelled.

The message from my brain was clear: Enough already.

So, I left the office and headed home. Sitting outside on a beautifully warm and sunny afternoon, with a gentle breeze, proved miraculous. Sure, I probably wasn't any smarter, but I felt  more or less back to normal. Ramadan is supposed to bring people closer to God/Allah — while I won't necessarily speak to that one, I can say that, for that balmy, breezy afternoon, I did feel a whole lot closer to nature.

Breaking the fast

After a delightful couple of hours taking in the fresh air, I headed over to the mosque on East Airport Avenue to meet Nofal and partake in iftar, the fast-breaking meal. We caught up in a small room off the building's main entrance, getting a brief overview about Islam with five other curious participants. The imam made an appearance, taking in any questions. It was friendly and welcoming, and all questions were handled with aplomb.

Ten minutes before it was time to eat, around 7:20 p.m., an assistant brought two plates — one with grapes, an satsuma and a date, the other with a samosa and an onion bhaji — in front of us. A wicked thought entered my mind. What if I ate now, just before sundown? Wouldn't that be crazy? Why am I even thinking this? 

Self-destructive thoughts aside, I restrained myself until Islamic prayers, marking the end of the fast, came over the mosque's speakers. The water was first on the agenda.

The food was savored, not devoured. 

After the initial snack came prayers in the mosque's main room, which was quickly flooded with people, some in traditional garb, some in work clothes. We ate the meal proper, which consisted of rice, chicken, a salad and chickpeas, in our side room.

It was over. For me, anyway.

Nofal, whose friendly and thoughtful nature remained the same during and after fasting hours, said Ramadan served as a spiritual charge.

"It's a blessed month," he said. "We still do our jobs. We still go to work. It makes me a better person — it's really a 'charging-of-the-battery' month." 

Email Jack Barlow at [email protected] . 

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