Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is indeed a crown possessed by the world of Islamic architecture.
The project of the grand Mosque was launched by Sheik Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan. It was conctructed between 1996 and 2007. It was designed by a Syrian architect Yousef Abdelky, covering the area of more than 30 acres.
As per desire of the Sultan, this grand Mosque is the best example of Islamic cultural diversity of the Muslim world. Late Sultan's final resting place is also on the grounds adjacent to the complex nearby.
The Mosque is a beautiful and balanced combination of different elements of many Muslim architectects. No doubt, it is the best example of harmony as well as uniqueness in this regard.
It's design has been inspired by Persian, Mughal, and Alexandrian of Abbu-al-Abbas Murssi Mosque and also the Indo-Islamic mosque architecture, particulary the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan.
Its 82 domes of various sizes and floors were inspired by Badshahi Mosque, Lahore. It's floral designed courtyards, considered to be the largest example of marble mosaic in the world.
It's archways are Moorish. It's minarates classically Arab.
Natural materials were chosen for most of it's conctruction due to their long lasting qualities. It includes gold, stones, crystals,marble,semi precious stones, ceramics.
Artisans and materials came from all around the world including Pakistan, Italy, Egypt, India, Morocco, Germany, Malaysia, China, Iran, United Kingdom, North Mecidonia and New Zealand.
There is a large accomodation of 41,000 worshipers in this grand Mosque. Main prayer hall has a capacity of over 7,000 worshipers.
In it's various unique and distinguished elemnts, its carpet is supposedto be thw world's largest carpet designed by an Iranian artist. it's weight is 35 ton.
One of its chendliers, from Germany, considered the world's third largest chendlier.
The unique lightining system along the pool side is designed to reflect the phases of moon.
Beautiful bluish gray clouds are projected in lights onto the external walls and get brighter and darker according to the phase of moon.
Different shades of Mosque also enhance it's beauty and grandeur in its own way.
The 99 name of Allah, are featured on the Qibla wall in traditional Kufi calligraphy. Over all, three calligraphy styles Kufi, Thuluth and Nuskh used throughout the Mosque.
12:50 AM
