There are many beautiful mosques in the world. Mosques are some of the most stunning pieces of architecture that can be found. But don’t take my word for it. Let’s take a look at some of the most beautiful mosques in the world as examples.

1. The Blue Mosque – Turkey

This mosque in Istanbul, Turkey is called the Sultan Ahmed Mosque but is popularly known as The Blue Mosque. It was built during the reign of Ahmed I from 1609 to 1616. This large mosque has six minarets, one main dome and eight smaller domes. Part of its beauty is the architecture which combines Byzantine elements with traditional Islamic elements. It is known as the Blue Mosque due to the blue tiles that are found on the interior.

2. The Crystal Mosque – Malaysia

The Crystal Mosque is a new mosque located in Terengganu, Malaysia. It was built between 2006 and 2008 and officially opened in February of 2008. This stunning structure is constructed from steel, glass and crystal which make it one of the most beautiful in the world.

3. Faisal Mosque – Pakistan

The Faisal Mosque is located in Islamabad and is the largest mosque in Pakistan. It was completed in 1986 and when it was completed it was the biggest in the world. Today it is the sixth largest. The Faisal Mosque has four minarets but lacks a dome like most mosques giving it a unique look.

4. The Great Mosque of Xi’an – China

Not only is the Great Mosque of Xi’an one of the most beautiful mosques in the world, it is also amongst the oldest. While it was founded in 742 in the Shaanxi province of China, it was built between 1368 and 1398 and renovated many times since then. This mosque does not have the traditional elements of mosque architecture such as domes or minarets. It is instead constructed with more traditional Chinese architectural elements.

5. Masjid al-Haram – Saudi Arabia

Masjid al-Haram is the largest mosque in the world and surrounds the Kaaba in Mecca, the holiest place in Islam. This mosque has both outdoor and indoor areas that can hold 4 million people at once. It covers a total of 88.2 acres and it dates back to 630. But it has undergone renovations and expansions to grow to the size it is today.

6. Masjid Al-Nabawi – Saudi Arabia

Masjid Al-Nabawi is another mosque in Saudi Arabia that is among the largest in the world. It is located in Medina and is one of the holiest sites in Islam. It dates back to 622 and is known as the Prophet’s Mosque. Over the centuries it has been built up and renovated many times. It has 11 minarets and 27 domes.

7. The Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha – Egypt

The Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha was built between 1830 and 1857 and is also known as the Alabaster Mosque. It was commissioned by Muhammad Ali Pasha in memory of his son. The mosque is built in an Ottoman architectural style with 5 domes and 2 minarets. One unique aspect of this mosque is a brass clock tower that was given to Muhammad Ali by King Louis Philippe of France.

8. The Shah Jahan Mosque – Pakistan

The Shah Jahan Mosque in Thatta, Pakistan dates to the 17th century. It was commissioned by Shah Jahan, a Mughal emperor, and was built with a Mughal architectural style which makes it stand out from many other mosque designs. The mosque has 100 domes and was constructed from red brick and tiles.

9. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – United Arab Emirates

Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque is the 8th largest mosque in the world and it’s located in Abu Dhabi. The first ceremony held in the mosque was the funeral of its namesake, Sheik Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who initiated the building of it while he was President of the United Arab Emirates. Artisans and materials from around the world were utilized in making the mosque which has 82 domes and 4 minarets.

10. The Umayyad Mosque – Syria

The Umayyad Mosque is also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus. It is a site that holds significance to both Christians and Muslims. It was completed in 715 on a site that was previously a Christian basilica dedicated to St. John the Baptist who is honored as a prophet by Muslims and Christians. This is one of the few old mosques in the world that has not had its style and general structure significantly altered since being built.

These are just a few examples of the beautiful mosques in the world. By no means do they represent all of them. Why don’t you expand this list in the comments by telling us about your favorite mosques? What’s the most beautiful example near you? Which ones would you want to visit?