MASJID DIMAUKOM IN MAGUINDANAO, THE PHILIPPINES: Also known as the Pink Mosque, it is situated in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao. The mosque’s construction was financed by Datu Saudi Ampatuan Mayor, Samsodin Dimaukon. The mosque was painted pink to symbolise peace and love and was built by Christian workmen to symbolise unity and inter-faith brotherhood. It was opened in 2014.
CRYSTAL MOSQUE, MALAYSIA: The Crystal Mosque or Masjid Kristal is located in Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia. A grand structure made of steel, glass and crystal, the mosque is located in the Islamic Heritage Park on Wan Man island. The mosque was opened on February 8, 2008. It can accommodate 1,500 worshippers.
CENTRAL JAVA GREAT MOSQUE (MAJT): It claims to be the biggest mosque in Central Java. Built from 2001-2006, this mosque can accommodate 10,000. With 7,669 square metres of land for the main building and a 7,500 square metre yard, MAJT is constructed in the middle of a rice field on Gajah Raya Street, Sambirejo village, Gayamsari district, Semarang. During Ramadan, Gulf News will feature prominent mosques from around the world.
QOL SHARIF MOSQUE, RUSSIA: Originally built in the Kazan Kremlin in the 16th century, It was named after Qolsarif, who served there. Qolsarif died with his numerous students while defending Kazan from Russian forces in 1552. The mosque was destroyedafter the Russian conquest of Kazan in 1552. It was rebuilt and inaugurated on July 24, 2005. It can accommodate 6,000 worshipers.
THE GREAT MOSQUE OF XI’AN, CHINA: The Great Mosque in Xi’an is one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved mosques in China. It was built in 742 during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). This was a result of Islam being introduced into northwest China by Arab merchants and travellers from Persia and Afghanistan during the mid-7th century when some of them settled in China and married Han women. The mosque can easily hold 1,000 people
LARABANGA MOSQUE, GHANA: It is a historic mosque with Sudanese architectural style in the village of Larabanga, Ghana. It is the oldest mosque in the country and one of the oldest in West Africa, and has been referred to as the ‘Makkah of West Africa’. It has undergone restoration several times since it was originally founded in 1421. The World Monuments Fund (WMF) has contributed substantially to its restoration, and lists it as one of the 100 Most Endangered Sites.
