Muscat, Oman
Mosque in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat's Bausher district is the largest mosque in Oman, holding about 20,000 worshippers, completed in 2001 in a contemporary Islamic style. In 1992 Sultan Qaboos bin Said directed that the country should have a grand mosque; a design competition followed in 1993, building began in December 1994, and it took six years and seven months. Around 300,000 tonnes of Indian sandstone went into it, and five minarets surround the complex: the main one 90 metres tall and four flanking ones of 45.5 metres. The design gathers arts from across the Islamic world: Moroccan zellij, Mughal-style murals, domes and long arcades, wide gardens and fountains, marble, wood, stained glass and brass. The main prayer hall is covered by one of the largest hand-woven Persian carpets in the world, made by hundreds of weavers in Iran over several years, and a huge crystal chandelier about 14 metres long hangs from the dome. The complex also has a library, a lecture hall and a women's prayer hall.
Non-Muslim visits are mornings only, Saturday to Thursday, according to Wikivoyage, so go early. Modest dress is required: long sleeves and trousers for men; for women, clothing covering arms and ankles plus a headscarf (abayas are sometimes available at the entrance). Shoes come off before the prayer hall. Allow an hour to an hour and a half, and do not miss the arcades and gardens.
Hours and prices change — check before you go. Source: en.wikipedia.org
No reviews yet
Share your experience and help other travellers decide.
AttractionMuscat, Oman
