Incredible and unique Mosques you have probably never even heard of. Mosques hold a special significance to Muslims, which goes beyond the normal essence of societies in general. They are undoubtedly the center of a Muslim’s life. More than just being places of prayer, mosques are places of coming together, learning, and growing.
Most of us are familiar with the biggest and grandest mosques in the world, from the Masjid-e-Nabvi to the Grand Mosque and even Badshahi Masjid here in Pakistan. In fact, we ourselves have covered them before. But there are some amazing, relatively unknown mosques that most of us don’t know about. Here are a few such mosques, the marvel of Islamic architecture never ceases to amaze.
1. Great Mosque of Djenne, Mali
Initially constructed in 1240, the mosque was demolished and reconstructed in 1909. This architectural marvel has walls made of sun-baked mud bricks coated with mud plaster. The nature of the mud ensures that the building is insulated from heat.
2. Labaranga Mosque, Ghana
The Mosque was built by the Moors during the 13th century. The ancient structure is primarily made of mud and sticks and comes under severe damage during rainfall every year. But to date, the Mosque stands proud and tall. There is also an ancient 17th century hand-written Quran within its walls. This Quran is read by the Imam every year on 1st Muharram as people come from far and wide to hear the sermon.
 3. Qolsharif Mosque, Russia
Originally built in the 16th Century, it was at the time the largest mosque in Russia. It was destroyed in 1552 by Ivan The Terrible, only to be re-built in 1996. Once it had all the bearings of the Ottoman Empire, now it is as modern as they come.
5. Cologne Central Mosque, Germany
The Cologne Central Mosque is currently under construction. This futuristic design blends in well with the rest of Cologne’s modern infrastructure. The mosque has a modern Ottoman look, with a glass ceiling and walls.
6. Nusrat Jahan Mosque, Denmark
The Islamic community made inroads into Denmark in 1959. By 1967, this Ahmadiyya Mosque was built in Copenhagen. It holds around 100 people at any given time. Its unique look makes it stand out.
7. Zagreb Mosque, Croatia
The Zagreb Mosque in Croatia is the largest in the Country. Built-in 1987, the wonderful structure was the brainchild of one Dr. Ahmed Smajlovic.
8. Great Mosque of Touba, Senegal
Built by Sheikh Ahmadu Bà mba Mbà kke, the founder of the Sufi Mouride in 1926, the mosque is central to the Islamic City of Touba. It was built during the French colonization of Senegal and was a stand-out achievement for Muslims in that era.
 9. Great Mosque of Xian, China
The great mosque was built in 742 AD during the Tang Dynasty. What makes the mosque so unique is that although it is Muslim architecture, the mosque looks like a Chinese Temple. The 12,000 sqm large mosques also house an ancient hand-written Quran from the 1700s.
10. Banya Bashi Mosque, Bulgaria
The mosque was built in 1576 during the rule of the Ottomans. The mosque gets its name Banya Bashi which literally means many baths from the fact that it was built over natural thermal spas. One can see steam rising from vents near the mosque.
11. Koutoubia Mosque, Morocco
Dating as far back as 1150, the mosque can hold up to 25,000 people in its halls. The tall minaret tower is capped with copper orbs, which were originally gold but later replaced. Â The mosque was built by Emir Yacoub-el-Mansoor and is surrounded by markets selling books and ancient scripts.
12. Mashkhur Jusup Central Mosque, Kazakhstan
The Mosque in Pavlodar has gained international recognition for resembling Darth Vader of Star Wars fame. It houses a school, wedding hall and can accommodate around 1,500 people.
13. Islamic Center and Mosque of Rijeka, Croatia
It is one of the most beautiful mosques in all of Europe. Officially opened in 2013, the mosque’s dome is shaped in five separate sections. The rich architectural influences of the Ottomans are quite visible. It’s like an ultra-modern version of an ancient design.
14. Hazratbal Shrine and Mosque, India
Located in Hazratbal, Srinagar, the mosque has the Moi-e-Muqqadas. The shrine is situated on the left bank of the Dal Lake, Srinagar, and is considered to be Kashmir’s holiest Muslim shrine.
Muslim architecture, especially mosques, always stand out no matter where it is. Hope you enjoyed this collection of unique mosques. Have a good day!
