The Shah Faisal Mosque is the national mosque of Pakistan, located in capital Islamabad. It is the sixth-largest mosque in the world and the largest within South Asia. Located on the foothills of Margalla Hills in Pakistan’s capital city of Islamabad. Moreover the mosque features a contemporary design consisting of eight sides of concrete shell.
Location:
The stunning Faisal Mosque is located at Shah Faisal Avenue in Sector E-8 of Islamabad.
Architectural Work of Shah Faisal Mosque :
It is Designed by a Turkish architect, Vedat Dalokay, and built between 1976 and 1986. The mosque’s geometric design (modelled on a desert tent) and clean lines make the impressive scale hard to discern until you are up close. The four 88m minarets (an old urban myth is that the ever-paranoid CIA demanded to inspect them, fearing they were missiles in disguise!) tower over the prayer hall. Inside, the ceiling soars to 40m and the air hums with muffled recitations.
Construction of Shah Faisal Mosque :
Shah Faisal Mosque’s Construction was start after the visit of Saudi Arabian King Shah Faisal. Who approved a grant of 28 million dollars in order to construct this Mosque.
The mosque was constructed with the unique and best marbles of the world. The specialty of the mosque comes with its unique design and capacity to house the people.
Moreover the design of Faisal Mosque is not similar to the other mosques where the Dome is consider as the important part of the design. Interior of the mosque is decorate with the Verses of Quran, beautiful carpets, Lanterns (Fanoos) etc.. But the simplicity is another factor in its interior. There are 4 minarets of Faisal Mosque which increase the beauty of Mosque. A big size Quran also adds to the beauty of the Faisal Mosque. Now a day Faisal Mosque is on the 4th place in the world on the basis of size.
Capacity :
Moreover The Faisal Mosque can accommodate about 300,000 worshippers. Each of the Mosque’s four minarets are 79 m high (the tallest minarets in South Asia) and measure 10×10 meters in circumference. The main areas have the capacity to hold up to 74000 people in the main areas including the inner hall, and the courtyards. The grounds around the mosque have the capacity to contain up to 200,000 people.
Overview on Shah Faisal Mosque :
Faisal Mosque, one of the most popular and historically significant tourist attractions in Pakistan, is about to undergo a comprehensive renovation.
Furthermore the magnificent tent-shaped landmark situated against the backdrop of the lush green Margalla Hills is one of the most important tourist attractions in Pakistan, drawing thousands of visitors from all parts of the world.
The areas surrounding the main structure consist of courtyards and porticoes. The entrance has a circular pond. Which then leads to a larger pond and fountains, as well as the stairs that lead to the main prayer hall. The entire area is surrounded by lush greenery, and of course, the Margalla hills stand tall and proud behind.
The architect was awarded Agha Khan Award for best Architecture due to his modern style design of the mosque.
How to get there ?
Public transport is available from most parts of the city to Faisal Mosque. If you are traveling from outside the city, you can take an intercity bus to 8th avenue in Islamabad, and then take another bus or a taxi to the mosque. There is no entrance fee, except to store shoes.
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