Islamic culture and heritage aren’t bound to a specific region or country. For millennia, Muslims have inhabited all over the world and built marvelous architectural wonders that the world still praises. From materials used in construction to fine manufacturing, you will be amazed to see Islamic architecture.
The Brew
If you’re a traveler who loves exploring architectural wonders from the past and today, then Islamic architecture will be a treat to explore. If you’re planning a trip to explore Islamic architecture but aren’t sure where to start, we’re sharing 7 masterpieces of Islamic architecture to boost creativity and inspiration.
Great Mosque of Samarra, Iraq
This great mosque is located in Sammara City Iraq. It was built in the 9th century after the Abbasid Caliph Al-Moutawakel commissioned it. Initially moving there to avoid conflict with the locality, he ended up living there for the next 56 years and during that time, he constructed many palaces which are also included the largest mosque.
It held the title of the planet’s largest mosque for 4 centuries before it was tragically destroyed at the hands of Hulagu Khan’s armies when they invaded Iraq in 1278, but an impressive spiral minaret still stands today.
Chefchaouen, Morocco
Founded in the 15th century, the village of Chefchaouen is surrounded by lush mountainous terrain. Its historic prominence, cultural authenticity, and vibrant coloration attract hordes of tourists all year round. Known as the Blue City, there’s plenty to enjoy while strolling in Chefchaouen’s surreal streets.
The Citadel of Aleppo, Syria
One of the finest leftover specimens of Islamic military architecture is the Citadel resting atop a hill situated in the city center of Aleppo, Syria. Deemed to be one the largest and eldest castles on earth, the Citadel is part of the ancient city of Aleppo, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1986.
Montaza Palace, Alexandria, Egypt
Built in 1932, the sight served as the summer palace for King Fuad I. Situated on the Mediterranean Sea shore, the palace boasts a striking fusion of Turkish and Florentine architecture. Today the palace and its extensive Royal Gardens are open for the public to visit and view.
Sulaymaniyah Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey
The Sulaymaniyah Mosque is one of the largest Mosques in Istanbul, and is regarded as its most important one too. It was built by the order of Suleyman the Magnificent by the great architect Sinan, and both historical figures happen to be buried within the mosque’s breathtaking complex.
The Great Mosque of Cordoba, Spain
The earliest parts of the great mosque were built on the side of a Christian Umayyad ruler Abdal Rahman I between 784 to 786. In the 9th and 10th centuries, the structure underwent several enlargements.
A remarkable feature of the mosque is the hypostyle hall consisting of almost 855 columns of jasper, marble, and porphyry, which act as supports for the many horseshoe arches. Most of the capitals and columns were recycled from earlier buildings.
The Dome of The Rock, Jerusalem
The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem is not only the oldest extant Islamic monument but one of the best-known ones too. Constructed in 691-692, roughly 55 years after the Arab occupation of Jerusalem, the layout and decoration seem to be embedded in the Byzantine architectural ritual but also exhibit characteristics that would shortly happen to link themselves with a noticeably Islamic architectural fashion.
The Long Pour
This is just a brief list of places you can visit if you want to see the wonders of Islamic architecture. No matter where you go, you’ll surely fall in love with the beauty and detail of Islamic architecture. Want to add your favorite place to the list? Let us know your favorite in the comments!
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