The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world and an imposing architectural work of art that intentionally blends different Islamic architectural schools. It contains 82 domes, over 1,000 columns, 24-carat gold-gilded chandeliers and the world's largest hand-woven carpet. The main prayer hall is dominated by one of the most imposing chandeliers in the world.
Introduction
The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan built this mosque for it to have historical impact and to embody the message of peace, tolerance and diversity of Islam. His aim was for the Grand Mosque to be a vital reference in modern Islamic architecture, linking the past to the present and creating a place of Islamic science and learning that reflects the authentic values of Islam.
KEY ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS
Probably the most visible elements of the mosque are its 82 domes, the largest of which is located in the center of the main prayer hall. The domes feature pure white marble cladding, onion-shaped “crowns” and crescent-shaped finials, decorated with golden glass mosaics.
The minarets of this magical Islamic building combine Mamluk, Ottoman and Fatimid styles in such a way as to merge different Islamic architectural styles into an expression of art and beauty.
The use of multicolored natural marble leads to unprecedented artistic results, such as decorated crowned columns where the crowns are not located at the top of the columns but at the bottom. This extraordinary technique is innovative in Islamic architecture.
The colors of the walls, columns and carpet are harmonized in such a way as to transform the mosque into an artistic masterpiece and a symphony of colors and shades.
Another important feature is the artistic work of the glass. Mosaics associated with cut and sandblasted glass present traditional Islamic symmetrical and repetitive patterns.
MINARETS
The mosque has four minarets, which are approximately 106 meters high. Each minaret consists of three different geometric shapes. The first is a square which constitutes the base of the minaret. Its architectural style reflects Moroccan, Andalusian and Mamluk styles.
The second section of the minaret has an octagonal shape, which is a design that dates back to the Mamluk era (13th to 16th centuries). The third section is cylindrical in shape, a design element of the Ottoman era (14th to 20th centuries). The lantern crowning the whole is covered with gilded glass mosaics and dates back to the Fatimid era (from the 10th to the 12th century).
THE CARPET
The main prayer hall houses the largest hand-woven carpet in the world. The intricate Islamic medallion pattern was designed by third generation carpet maker and artist, Dr Ali Khaliqi.
The one-piece rug, mostly made of wool, measures 5,700 square meters and was handcrafted by approximately 1,200 artisans. The whole project took two years, including 8 months for the design and 12 months for the weaving.
CHANDELIERS
The mosque contains seven crystal chandeliers made by Faustig in Munich, Germany. The largest is 10 meters long, 15 meters high, and weighs 12 tons. There are two smaller versions of the same design, also located in the main prayer hall, and they each weigh 8 tons.
Four blue colored chandeliers of similar design and dimension are located in the entrance vestibules surrounding the mosque. The largest weighs around 2 tons and is located in the vestibule of the main entrance.
Cheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Building Blocks
Unveiling a Masterpiece: the "Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque" building block set by Muslim Blocks® - A rendition of modern Islamic architecture and design, this set offers enthusiasts the opportunity to recreate the grandeur of one of the world's most breathtaking mosques... read more
