ABU DHABI, UAE | SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE
There
was once a great man who had a vision of establishing a structure which unites
the cultural diversity of the Islamic world, as well as the historical and
modern values of architecture and the arts.
And that vision was realized as I stood at awe in this grand edifice –
the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, conceptualized by the late President of UAE,
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
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| THE FACADE |
As
the largest mosque in United Arab Emirates, it can accommodate more than 40,000
worshippers. Tourists are further
welcome and what makes it more remarkable is the fact that it does not impose
admission fees.
The
huge complex is so well-maintained and visitors are expected to behave
accordingly. The imposing white marbles,
minarets and domes constituting its façade provides a tranquil and relaxing
vibe that roaming around the vicinity entails respect. And to dress appropriately is one sign of
respect. I came dressed in plain shirt,
pants and leather shoes on, quite unusual for any trips abroad I have but I
have to, otherwise, I might regret not being able to visit the grand mosque.
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| THE GRAND ENTRANCE |
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| THE COLUMNS |
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| FEATURING THE MINARET AND COLUMNS |
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| CEILING DETAILS OF THE ENTRANCE HALL |
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| COMFORT ROOM DETAILS |
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| THE COMFORT ROOM |
The
visitors line up to the main prayer hall where noticeable is the vast compound
covered by marble tiles as we pass by intricately designed columns and
minarets. The inner court yard is also
panoramic.
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| THE INNER COURT YARD |
There
are so many interesting features in the design, architectural details and
construction of the Grand Mosque. Others
say it would be advisable to hire a local guide. But in our case, inasmuch as we wanted to, I
am pressed for time, thus, I have to do the tour on my own pace. It was around 4 in the afternoon (8PM
Philippine time) when we entered the mosque.
Despite
the hot and humid weather, predicaments are lost once I took photos of every
corner of the Grand Mosque. Every detail
is worth a subject.
There
are four minarets on the four corners of the courtyard and the floral-designed
courtyard is considered the largest example of marble mosaic in the world.
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| ENTRANCE TO THE MAIN PRAYER HALL |
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| THE LARGEST MARBLE MOSAIC IN THE WORLD |
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| THE MARBLE MOSAIC AND FACADE |
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| INTERIOR DESIGN OF THE MAIN PRAYER HALL |
The
chandeliers in the mosque are also an added charm and elegance to the
interiors. There are seven of them
imported from the company Faustig in Munich Germany and all incorporates
millions of swarovski crystals. The largest chandelier inside the Grand
Mosque is the second largest known chandelier inside a mosque and the third
largest in the world.
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| THE WORLD RECORD HOLDER CHANDELIER |
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| MILLIONS OF SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS MAKE UP A CHANDELIER |
As
we walk towards the farther end, I can’t help but notice that even columns/posts
are clad with marble and embedded with mother of pearl. At the main hall, I noticed strokes written
on a certain portion where a subtle fiber-optic lighting is featured. I asked my friend if there is a meaning to
such but we both don’t know since we don’t have a tour guide. Later on, I’ve learned this is what they call
the Qibla wall where the 99 names
(qualities or attributes) of God (Allah) are featured in traditional Kufic calligraphy.
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| CALLIGRAPHY ON QIBLA WALL |
In
keeping with Sheikh Zayed’s vision, the Grand Mosque’s design and architecture
“unites the world”, using artisans and materials from many countries including
India, Italy, Germany, Morocco, Pakistan, Turkey, Malaysia, Iran, China, United
Kingdom, New Zealand, Greece and United Arab Emirates. Natural materials were chosen for much of its
design and construction including marble stone, gold, semi-precious stones,
crystals and ceramics.
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| THE UNIQUE INTERIOR DESIGN AND THE HAND-KNOTTED CARPET |
To
describe the mosque as grand is an understatement, I was really fascinated of
the said structure that no exact words may have been invented for such feeling. Passing by the bridge of Abu Dhabi enroute to
Dubai, the mosque greets every passerby as if making a grand welcome to the
capital city of UAE.
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| THE LARGEST MOSQUE OF UAE |
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| THE GRAND MOSQUE OF ABU DHABI |
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