The world is full of magnificent mosques, which exhibit dazzling works of architecture making these buildings much more than sacred sites for worship.

Some of The World’s Most Beautiful Mosques to Visit in 2023

Rabat- The world is full of magnificent mosques, which exhibit dazzling works of architecture making these buildings much more than sacred sites for worship.

Although many gather in mosques or “masjids” in Arabic to pray the buildings have become more than holy places as they bring visitors from all over the world who enjoy marveling at their architectural beauty.

Let’s discover some of the world’s most beautiful mosques to tick off your list.

Hassan II mosque in Morocco

Morocco is home to one of the six wonders; Hassan II mosque in Casablanca is the largest in Africa and the seventh largest in the world, with a minaret of 210 meters (689 feet). There is a unique aspect to the design as the mosque is constructed partially on land and over the Atlantic Ocean, covering a vast area of over nine hectares.

The construction of the mosque began on July 9, 1989, under the instruction of the late King Hassan II, and it was completed on August 30, 1993.

The mosque was built with supplies from around Morocco, including granite from Tafraoute and marble from Agadir. The moorish design aspect is notable throughout the historical architecture of the mosque.

Moorish designs are a symbol of Islamic architecture the style was developed in the western Islamic world. Some key design features that distinguish the moorish look are the classic horseshoe arch, the traditional riad, the square, and the geometric and arabesque patterns in wood, and tilework.

The mesmerizing mosaics and historical impact evident throughout the mosque leave visitors stunned, the building also serves to provide an in-depth history lesson on architecture and art.

Hassan II mosque is open for all to enjoy as non-Muslims are also allowed to enter outside of prayer times, it is the only mosque that is open to everyone in Morocco.

Jama masjid in India

Another sight to be seen is the Indian mosque’s marble and red sandstone facade. The beautiful structure highlights the lavish mughal design it was built between 1644 and 1656 by Emperor Shah Jahan.

The magnificent build functions as a peaceful and quiet sanctuary away from the bustle of old Delhi.

In terms of size, the mosque’s large prayer hall has two minarets and four watchtowers, the building can hold up to 25,000 people, making it the largest mosque in India.

The layout of the building includes three impressive domes, two minarets, and three gates, archways with calligraphic inscriptions in Persian which mark the entrance of the prayer hall.

Sultan Ahmed mosque in Turkiye

Another spectacle to add to your destination list is Sultan Ahmed mosque, also known as the “blue mosque” because of its blue tiles that cover the structure’s interior walls, at night their color is even more vibrant.

The building was constructed during the reign of Ahmed I between 1609-1616, with such exquisite detail it is considered one of the best mosques from the Ottoman era.

The Blue mosque has been recognized on a global scale as it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1985 under the name of “Historic Areas of Istanbul.”

Crystal mosque in Malaysia

The crystal masjid is an interesting alternative if you enjoy a modern look. The mosque is located in Wan Man Malaysia, the building is relatively new compared to other mosques as it was constructed between 2006 and 2008. It was a large construction project and can accommodate over 1,500 people at a time.

Malaysia’s crystal mosque got its name from its sleek glass appearance. The build is entirely made of steel and glass, with a more contemporary and streamlined look than the majority of conventional mosques around the world. In an elegant touch, the building reflects off the river surrounding the mosque.

When the prayer halls and meeting rooms are illuminated from the inside, the mosque’s glass domes appear to be composed of pure gold. The architecture and design of the crystal mosque also incorporate a few oriental-inspired elements.

The Nasir al-Mulk mosque in Iran

Iran is home to the next marvel on the list, the Nasir al-Mulk mosque is also known as the pink mosque because of its dazzling exterior pink shade.

Unlike the Crystal masjid, this holy site follows a more traditional style as it was built during the reign of Iran’s Qajar dynasty. In total, the construction took 12 years to finish, from 1876 to 1888.

The Nasir al-Mulk mosque is one of the oldest in Iran. A building that has become famous for its bright colors and unusual architectural details.

Lala Mustafa Pasha mosque in Cyprus

Originally known as the Latin Cathedral of Nicholas, it is the largest medieval building in Famagusta. At first, the build served as a Catholic cathedral in the center of Famagusta until it became a mosque in 1571 after the Ottoman Empire.

Lala Mustafa Pasha mosque is believed to have been created back in the late 13th and early 14th century by a Frenchman named Jean Langlois.

Some of the most remarkable frankish architecture can be found in the Middle East at the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque which features a rayonnant gothic style design, for that reason, some visitors have named the building “living history.”