Mosque - architectural type definition

A mosque is a shrine and place of worship in Islam, where prayers and meetings of the Muslim community take place. Mosques are important symbols of Islamic architecture and reflect the diversity of cultures and artistic styles in different regions of the Muslim world.

Forerunners of mosques

Masjid al-Haram in Mecca: This is Islam's most important shrine and also the oldest mosque. Its first constructions date back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad, and later extensions were carried out in different historical periods.

The Nabawiyah Masjid in Medina: It is the second most important mosque in Islam. It was built by the Prophet Muhammad himself and plays a key role in Islamic history.

The most popular styles and structures of mosques

Mosque with a dome

Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem: This is one of the oldest mosques in the world. It has a dome and minarets and is the third most important place of worship in Islam.

Sultejan Mosque in Istanbul: Also known as the Blue Mosque, it is one of the most famous mosques in the world. It has six minarets and a distinctive blue dome.

Mosque with minaret

The Grand Mosque in Mecca: It is one of the largest mosques in the world and has one of the largest minarets. It is the central gathering place during the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Istanbul Grand Mosque: It is one of the most important mosques in Turkey. Its minarets are tall and imposing, and inside is a richly decorated prayer hall.

Mosque without minarets

Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi: It is one of the largest mosques in the world and has a unique architecture. Although it does not have minarets, it certainly stands out for its size and beautiful décor.

It is worth noting that the above examples are only a small part of the diverse mosques in the world. The architecture of mosques can vary depending on the region, culture and history of the site, making them extremely interesting sites to research and explore.