
The first mosques appeared in the 7th century, with many regarding the Grand Mosque, Masjid al-Haram in Saudia Arabia dating back to 638AD, to be the oldest.

Since then thousands upon thousands of mosques have been built across the world, with some showcasing breathtaking architecture.

Originally built as a centre for Muslim communities to prayer and teach, the Grand Mosque is considered the most spectacular covering an area of 3.8million square feet and can hold four million worshippers.

Although more modern, completed in just 2007, the ornate Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi is also dazzling. The building features four 350-ft tall minarets which cast dramatic silhouettes across the emirati skyline.

Meanwhile in Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey mosques feature bold turquoise mosaics which attract tourists to marvel at their architectural detail.

Here MailOnline Travel presents some of the most wonderous mosques in the world.

The breathtaking Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates took 10 years to complete and is an architectural marvel

Casting reflections:This amazing image (left( shows a night view of the Sheikh Grand Mosque, with the ornate structure mirrored in the water. The cavernous white and gold rooms have a stunning statement chandelier in the mosque's interior (right)

Attention to detail: The Dome of the Rock mosque in Jerusalem has vibrant turquoise mosaic tiles and a gigantic golden dome. The site is said to be the third holiest in Islam after Mecca and Medina and hosts daily prayers and large Friday services

Epic proportions: The pink and white domed Putra Mosque in Malaysia has space for 15,000 worshippers, with its design influenced by Safavid architecture from Iran. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome outside of prayer times as long as they are appropriately dressed

Distinctive landmark: The stunning Al-Masjid an-Nabawi with its large pillars and canopies in Medina, Saudi Arabia

The Blue Mosque is located in the heart of Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan and is adorned with a multitude of brightly coloured patterned tiles

The multi-domed Nur-Astana Mosque in Astana, Kazakhstan has a magnificent gold dome and a fountain at the front of the building

One of the most striking features of the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque in Malaysia is its large dome, considered to be the largest religious arched roof in the world

The Badshahi Mosque or 'Emperor's Mosque' was built in 1673 by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in Lahore, Pakistan, and is one of the city's greatest tourist lures. The large orange-coloured building is capable of accommodating over 55,000 worshippers

Over two million pilgrims gather for sunset prayers in the lit up Great Mosque in Mecca just before the start of the Islamic pilgrimage, Hajj

Siddiqua Fatima Zahra Mosque is located in the city of Dahiya Abdullah Mubarak in Kuwait and can hold around 3500 males with a separate area for 500 females

The historic Blue Mosque in Istanbul may have been built during 1609 and 1616 but it still a tourism attraction, with its vast array of coloured domes and archways bringing the inside to life

The unique Hassan II Mosque in Morocco stands tall on the horizon and record books, taking the title for the world's tallest mosque at an incredible 689ft

Modern look: The Assyakirin Mosque in the centre of Kuala Lumpur, with the city's iconic Petronas towers soaring in the background

Circular wonder: Muslims praying facing the Kaaba at the golden Masjidil Haram in Saudi Arabia

As the name would suggest, Malaysia's Crystal Mosque, or Masjid Kristal, is made of steel, glass - and crystal, which causes it to shine dazzlingly against the evening sky

With golden domes surrounded by lush green trees, The Ubudiah Mosque in Kuala Kangsar is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful mosques in Malaysia

With fairy tale-like high towers, large windows and blue roofs, the Kul Sharif Mosque looks impressive.The building includes manuscripts that tell the story of Islam

Built between 1954 to 1958, Masjid Omar Ali Saifuddien in Brunei is surrounded by an artificial lagoon

The Wazir Khan Mosque in Pakistan took seven years to construct and features fresco paintings and tile decoration on its walls and minarets