Designing a mosque entails very specific challenges for architects: the strict and detailed requirements for the typology were established centuries ago and remain paramount in creating a place of worship for Muslims. Consequently, these buildings have long been associated with conservative styles employing well-recognized traditional forms and aesthetic details.
Here is detail of some mosque from around the world built in unique style .
Dimaukom Mosque
The Masjid Dimaukom or Pink Mosque is situated in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao, Philippines.
The mosque’s construction was financed by then-Mayor Samsudin Dimaukom under the administration of President Noynoy Aquino. The land where the mosque was built was a property of the mayor’s family. The mosque was painted pink to symbolize peace and love and was built by workmen to symbolize unity and inter-faith brotherhood.
Amir Shakib Arslan mosque
Situated in Beirut Labenon , The Amir Shakib Arslan mosque evokes a contrast – as well as a combination – of old and new architectural styles.
The white steel structure is overlaid onto the traditional cross-vaulted masonry structure, with the angular geometric shapes of the steel plates aligning to Mecca.
Valiasr Mosque Tehran Iran
The Valiasr Mosque in Tehran by Iranian challenges traditional mosque design, ridding it of its classic elements such as the dome and minarets; while still maintaining the building’s religious programme and function.
The mosque sits in the cultural heart of the city, designed to respond to its immediate context where buildings vary between educational institutions, bookstores, and theatres.
Inspired by the Quba mosque in Medina for its simplicity and modesty, the mosque’s sloping roof is intended to become a public space, serving as a seating platform.
Qolsharif Mosque (Kazan, Russia)
Qolşärif mosque located in Kazan Kremlin was the 2nd largest mosque in Europe
after Grozny Central Dome Mosque (outside Istanbul).Built in Kazan Kremlin in the 16th century, It was named after Qolşärif who died defending Kazan from Russian forces in 1552.
Its design was traditional for Volga Bulgaria, although elements of early Renaissance and Ottoman architecture could have been used as well. In 1552, during the storm of Kazan it was destroyed by Ivan The Terrible. Tatar scholars speculate as to whether some elements of Qolşärif mosque can be seen in Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow (8 minarets, a central cupola, not typical for Russian architecture). Since 1996 the mosque has been rebuilt in Kazan Kremlin, although its look is decisively modern. Its inauguration on July 24, 2005 marked the beginning of celebrations dedicated to the Millennium of Kazan.
Al Dana Mosque Abudhabi UAE
With a built up area of 2,200m2, Al Dana mosque’s plot is carefully placed on a public seaside promenade facing the marina, allowing for a context-inspired design that maintains harmony with its immediate surrounding.
According to the architects, the formal language of the mosque derives from a contemporary interpretation of traditional Islamic architecture.
Al Dana Mosque was also designed to emphasise energy-saving. Elements like oculi, wall perforations and
natural light filtration assure the building aligns with sustainability measures.
Great Mosque of Djenné (Mali)
As one of the wonders of Africa, and one of the most unique religious buildings in the world, the Great Mosque of Djenné, in present-day Mali, is also the greatest achievement of Sudano-Sahelian
architecture. It is also the largest mud-built structure in the world. We experience its monumentality from afar as it dwarfs the city of Djenné. Imagine arriving at the towering mosque from the neighborhoods of low-rise adobe houses that comprise the city.
The mosque of lights (Dubai)
As the name says, the – Mosque of Light is a contemporary Islamic building with minimal yet gorgeous welcoming worshippers in a grateful way. People coming to this place will find peace within themselves when entering the prayer hall and other premises with its subtle- geometrically designed architecture.
The direction towards Mecca is designed in triangular windows that allow natural sunlight to fall into place and light it.
The place is aesthetic, with the essence of traditional art visible on the mosque walls. Soothe your eyes and visit this exemplary-designed mosque in Dubai.
Sancaklar Mosque (Istanbul Turkey)
Sancaklar Mosque situated in Istanbul Turkey, is among the 20 buildings that have received the RIBA Award for International Excellence. The projects range from large urban infrastructure schemes, cultural destinations and educational buildings to civic spaces, private residences, and places of worship.
The long canopy stretching out from the park becomes the only architectural element visible from the outside. The building is located below this canopy and can be accessed from a path from the upper courtyard through the park. The building blends in completely with the topography and the outside world is left behind as one moves through the landscape, down the hill and in between the walls to enter the mosque.
Bab Al Salam Mosque in Muscat, Oman
Uniqueness of Bab Al Salam Mosque Muscat is that it is formed of five geometric volumes and has a cone-shaped minaret .
The mosque consists of five rounded forms that have a slight rose hue, informed by the colour of Oman’s nearby mountains.
Its largest block contains the men’s prayer hall, which has clerestory windows and one full-height glazed section marking the direction of prayer – the Ka’bah in the Grand Mosque in Mecca.