Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, ...truly a grandiose icon
Having only one day to spend in Abu Dhabi, the question popped up of which places which warranted a visit.
"Ferrari World" might pop into your mind now, but nah, theme parks are dotted all over the world....and granted, it's more for adrenaline seekers and family outings, don't tell me it's a must visit 'heritage' site.
Have to skip "Ferrari World" as we only had 1 day to spend, always a next time.
Have to skip "Ferrari World" as we only had 1 day to spend, always a next time.
A friendly enquiry around and we were told that the two must-visit spots while one is there for a brief visit are the "Emirates Palace" (more of that in a future blog post) and the "Sheikh Zayed Mosque".
Acting upon the recommendations, a taxi was easily hailed and pronto to the Mosque.
Having seen quite some mosques, I kinda knew what was in store....what do you expect, our current abode is in Malaysia, where Islam is the national religion, and as a result mosques are found in every neighbourhood.
But, upon reaching the gates of the Sheikh Zayed mosque, I realized that this mosque was a bit out of the ordinary......and believe me, that's an understatement. Reportedly costing over half a "billion" US dollars to construct, it definitely shows the 'works'.
The exterior is all smooth white marble, with domes all dotted over the mosque (apparently there are 82 domes in total), 4 sky reaching minarets on each corner,intricate flower motives on the huge marble courtyard, every single pillar with a top cap of gold leaf flower motives.
The exterior is all smooth white marble, with domes all dotted over the mosque (apparently there are 82 domes in total), 4 sky reaching minarets on each corner,intricate flower motives on the huge marble courtyard, every single pillar with a top cap of gold leaf flower motives.
And then I've barely scratched the 'surface',.....wait till you enter the prayer rooms/halls....which are huuuuuuuuuuge.
Upon entering the main prayer hall, the first thing you'll notice are the HUGE chandeliers, all dotted with millions of Swarovski crystals, ......did I just say 'chandeliers' in plural form?, 'cos hold your breath, there are 'seven', yes you read it correctly, 7 of those crystals studded chandeliers hanging from the elaborate crafted ceiling of the mosque.
Interesting fact about the carpet in the 'smaller' prayer rooms is that the flower motifs of the carpet exactly matches the intricate motifs found on the ceilings. "Earth" = "Heaven"....that's the way how it should be.
Honestly, pictures don't do it justice, it takes literally hours to observe and appreciate all the detailed finishing.........The mosque is truly an eye-opener for believers as well as non-believers.
It might not match the rich history of 'St.Peter's Square and Vatican City', but the builders have already ensured that this Grand Mosque rightly deserves its place in the Hall of Fame of Majestic Religious Landmarks.
A Grandiose Icon indeed.......
Upon entering the main prayer hall, the first thing you'll notice are the HUGE chandeliers, all dotted with millions of Swarovski crystals, ......did I just say 'chandeliers' in plural form?, 'cos hold your breath, there are 'seven', yes you read it correctly, 7 of those crystals studded chandeliers hanging from the elaborate crafted ceiling of the mosque.
Interesting fact about the carpet in the 'smaller' prayer rooms is that the flower motifs of the carpet exactly matches the intricate motifs found on the ceilings. "Earth" = "Heaven"....that's the way how it should be.
Honestly, pictures don't do it justice, it takes literally hours to observe and appreciate all the detailed finishing.........The mosque is truly an eye-opener for believers as well as non-believers.
It might not match the rich history of 'St.Peter's Square and Vatican City', but the builders have already ensured that this Grand Mosque rightly deserves its place in the Hall of Fame of Majestic Religious Landmarks.
A Grandiose Icon indeed.......
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