The Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi
I love when you bow in your mosque, kneel in your temple, pray in your church. For you and I are sons of one religion, and it is the spirit. - Khalil Gibran
The quote really came home to me as I visited the Grand Mosque on my recent visit to Abu Dhabi. It happened to be a day of religious significance for me, a non-Muslim and yet I felt a similar sense of reverence and appreciation as what I feel when I visit one a Gurdwara.
On our way to the Mosque our guide referenced the Taj Mahal and suggested that people compare the two. Having seen the Taj and the Grand Mosque both; I don’t agree. Yes, they are both made of marble, and both use some of the Persian and Mughal techniques in the ornamentation and architecture, yet they are each distinct and unique.
The mosque’s minarets combine Mameluke, Ottoman and Fatimid styles in a manner that fuses diverse Islamic architectural styles into one expression of art and beauty.
The use of natural multi-colored marble, the colors of the walls, columns and the carpet are harmonized in a manner that transforms the mosque into an artistic masterpiece and a symphony of colors and shades.
A visit to the Grand Mosque is an education in art and beauty beautifully presented to appeal to the most discerning palate.
A large glass dome marks the visitors entrance and the escalator that takes you one floor down towards security and the ticket booths.
Surprisingly you transition into a modern underground mall which has all the familiar names such as Starbucks and McDonalds to Americans as well as shops selling all manner of goods.
Apparently since the Mosque is completely free to visitors this is a way to recoup some funds.
As you transition security and walk along the tolerance path you come up the escalator and emerge into the sunshine and see the beautiful building gleaming in the sunshine.
Pictures are controlled with specific designated spots for visitors to stop and take pictures. First stop the rectangular pools tiled in different shades of blue, which reflect the mosque’s magnificent arcades and columns.
The keyhole entrance hinting at what’s to come.
The Mosque is made up of 82 domes of various sizes and 4 minarets. As you enter you are in the courtyard which is made of beautiful marble and colorful mosaics. The edges adorned using different types of flowers that grow in the Middle East such as Tulip, Lily and Iris.
As you walk towards the prayer halls you traverse these arcades with white marble columns, inlaid with precious and semi-precious stones such as lapis lazuli, red agate, amethyst, abalone shell and nacre. Their overall design is inspired by date palms.
This inlay technique is similar to that used in the Taj Mahal in India hence the comparison of the two.
Also made of white marble these internal walls feature traditional Islamic designs with unique floral additions.
As you stop to admire the Mehrab from afar and appreciate the beautiful chandeliers that grace the ceilings. This was probably one of my most favorite sites to stand and admire and take pictures. The chandelier and Mehrab from the inside, beautiful blue chandeliers overhead and the exquisite work around me. Truly spectacular.
The inside of the domes features traditional Moroccan artwork which has been made from reinforced plaster Encircling the inside of the domes are verses from the Holy Quran.
The chandelier is the largest ever in a mosque made of 12 tons of steel with brass and 24 carat gold. Made in German, the chandeliers have Swarovski crystals installed in all of them.
The Prayer Hall; again, one of the largest in the world with its array of chandeliers. The floor is covered with a priceless single hand knotted carpet. The largest in the world.
Glass domes cover the ladies and gents’ ablution facilities.
As you make your way to the visitors exit, a chance to browse and buy some souvenirs of your visit.