#Bibi Heybat

[optikestrav]

interior, Bibi Heybat mosque, Baku (2019)

constructed C13th destroyed 1934 rebuilt 1994

© optikestrav

[iseo58]

Bibi Heybat Mosque

[flairyourtrip]

This is how you will explore Baku in 5 days with Flairyourtrip

ITINERARY:

Day 1: Explore the Old City Morning: Begin your day at the iconic Baku Boulevard for a picturesque view of the Caspian Sea. Visit the Flame Towers, a modern symbol of Baku. Afternoon: Head to the UNESCO-listed Old City (Icherisheher) and explore historical landmarks like the Maiden Tower and Shirvanshah’s Palace. Enjoy local Azerbaijani cuisine in one of the charming cafes. Evening: Stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old City at sunset. Capture stunning photographs of the Flame Towers illuminated at night.

Day 2: Modern Baku Morning: Visit Heydar Aliyev Center, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture. Explore the Baku Modern Art Museum. Afternoon: Have lunch at a local restaurant with a view of the Flame Towers. Visit the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum to appreciate traditional Azerbaijani craftsmanship. Evening: Experience the vibrant nightlife at Fountain Square. Dine at a rooftop restaurant for panoramic city views.

Day 3: Gobustan National Park Morning: Head to Gobustan National Park to explore ancient rock carvings and mud volcanoes. Learn about Azerbaijan’s prehistoric history at the Gobustan State Historical and Artistic Museum. Afternoon: Have a picnic lunch in the picturesque landscapes of Gobustan. Return to Baku and relax at the hotel. Evening: Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Absheron Peninsula Morning: Explore Ateshgah (Fire Temple), a historical and architectural monument. Visit Yanar Dag, a natural gas fire which has been burning for centuries. Afternoon: Have lunch at a seaside restaurant on the Absheron Peninsula. Relax at one of the nearby beaches or visit the Bibi-Heybat Mosque. Evening: Return to Baku and explore the local markets for souvenirs.Dinner at a traditional Azerbaijani restaurant.

Day 5: Day Trip to Sheki Morning: Take a morning flight or drive to Sheki, a charming city surrounded by mountains. Visit Sheki Khans’ Palace, renowned for its exquisite stained glass windows. Afternoon: Have lunch at a local restaurant. Explore Sheki’s Old City and visit the Sheki History Museum. Evening: Return to Baku and spend your last evening shopping for local crafts and souvenirs.

[lutnistas]

Bibi-Heybat Mosque ( Baku / Azerbaijan ) 

[bestvaluetours]

Top 10 Things to Do in Baku, Azerbaijan: A Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors

Baku, the vibrant capital of Azerbaijan, is a city where ancient history seamlessly blends with modern architecture, offering travelers a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you're strolling along the Caspian Sea's shoreline or exploring the city's rich cultural heritage, Baku has something for everyone. Here's a complete guide to the top 10 things to do in Baku for first-time visitors.

1. Explore the Old City (Icherisheher)

Start your journey with a visit to the Old City of Baku, known as Icherisheher. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a maze of narrow alleyways, ancient buildings, and historical landmarks. Don’t miss the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, which are among the most iconic Baku attractions. As you wander through this historic district, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.

2. Stroll Along the Baku Boulevard

One of the most popular places to visit in Baku is the scenic Baku Boulevard, which stretches along the Caspian Sea. This beautiful promenade is perfect for a stroll, offering stunning views of the city's skyline. Be sure to visit the Carpet Museum, a uniquely shaped building that showcases Azerbaijan’s rich tradition of carpet weaving.

3. Marvel at the Flame Towers

The Flame Towers are perhaps the most recognizable symbol of Azerbaijan Baku city. These three skyscrapers dominate the skyline and are illuminated at night with a dazzling light show that represents flickering flames. The Flame Towers are a must-see for anyone looking to experience the modern side of Baku.

4. Visit the Heydar Aliyev Center

Designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid, the Heydar Aliyev Center is an architectural masterpiece. This futuristic building, with its flowing curves and striking design, houses a museum, an exhibition hall, and a conference center. It’s one of the most impressive Baku tourist places and a testament to the city’s forward-thinking vision.

5. Discover the Fire Temple of Ateshgah

Located on the outskirts of Baku, the Fire Temple of Ateshgah is a fascinating site that reflects Azerbaijan’s ancient Zoroastrian heritage. This pentagonal complex, with its central eternal flame, is one of the most unique places to visit in Baku and offers insight into the country’s spiritual history.

6. Ascend the Baku Ferris Wheel

For breathtaking panoramic views of Baku and the Caspian Sea, take a ride on the Baku Ferris Wheel, also known as the Baku Eye. Standing at 60 meters tall, it’s a perfect spot to capture stunning photographs of the city’s skyline, especially during sunset.

7. Wander Through Nizami Street

Nizami Street, also known as Torgovaya, is Baku’s main shopping street and a bustling hub of activity. Lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, this pedestrian-friendly area is ideal for a leisurely walk. It’s also a great place to pick up souvenirs and experience the local culture.

8. Explore Gobustan National Park

A short drive from Baku, Gobustan National Park is home to ancient petroglyphs that date back thousands of years. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most important Baku attractions for history enthusiasts. The park also features mud volcanoes, adding a unique natural element to your visit.

9. Visit the Bibi-Heybat Mosque

The Bibi-Heybat Mosque is a beautiful reconstruction of a mosque that was destroyed during the Soviet era. Overlooking the Caspian Sea, this spiritual site is significant for both its history and its architectural beauty. It’s one of the key Baku Azerbaijan tourist places that reflects the city’s Islamic heritage.

10. Relax at the Baku Crystal Hall

End your day with a visit to the Baku Crystal Hall, a multipurpose indoor arena that has hosted major events like the Eurovision Song Contest. The area around the hall offers beautiful views of the Caspian Sea and is a great place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

Conclusion: 

Baku is a city where history, culture, and modernity converge to create an experience like no other. From exploring the ancient Old City to witnessing the futuristic beauty of the Flame Towers, there's no shortage of incredible sights and activities in Azerbaijan Baku city. Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, Baku offers something for everyone.

Now that you’ve discovered the top 10 things to do in Baku, it’s time to turn your travel dreams into reality. Contact Best Value Tourism today to explore our specially curated Azerbaijan and Baku tour packages. Let us take care of the details so you can focus on enjoying every moment of your journey. Embark on an unforgettable adventure in Baku and make memories that will last a lifetime!

[tourist-destinations]

8 Best Places to visit in Baku, Azerbaijan

Baku, the Republic of Azerbaijan's dynamic capital, interweaves the past with contemporary elegance. It has striking buildings on the exquisite Caspian Sea shores, ranging from old castles to extreme modern-age high rises. Explorers have ample on their plate awaiting to be unfurled from the gorgeous Old Town, sampling superb local flavors, relishing the city’s fascinating heritage, amid others.

Baku’s 8 Fabulous Places to Visit- A Sneak Peak

With suitable Baku tour packages make the utmost of the city’s 8 fabulous places to visit embracing,

Flame Towers

The Flame Towers are contemporary structures that represent the quintessential definition of civilization. These towers are a whopping 190 meters high and remarkably planned to take the shape of flames, which are accentuated at night with vivacious LED lights. Designed with precision, these awe-inspiring structures provide an excellent sight of the marvelous Caspian Sea, making it a magnet for explorers.

 Carpet Museum

Counted amid the principal top sights in Baku, the Carpet Museum presents a profound narration of Azerbaijan carpet weaving. It occupies a structure shaped like a rolled carpet and has a massive exhibit of complex carpets, fabrics, and weaving equipment patterns. It is possible to encounter thousands of years of art; therefore, it is a cultural place to stop in Baku.

Palace of Shirvanshahs

The Shirvanshahs’ Palace is a stupendous monument of medieval Azerbaijani designs positioned at Baku’s Old City, which is inscribed on the esteemed UNESCO World Heritage List. This royal complex, which belonged to the primeval 15th century, embraces ample spaces, from a mosque and a mausoleum to an expansive courtyard and more. Eminent for its superb stonemasonry and unmatched construction history, it is a testimony of the cultural miscellany of the given area.

Bibi-Heybat Mosque

This drop-dead gorgeous architectural piece has also become a national, spiritual, and cultural identity for Azerbaijan residents. Restored during the 1990s, the configuration is an illustration of conventional Muslim architecture and is celebrated for the grave of one of Muhammad’s descendants that it bears within. It stands alongside the Caspian Sea’s shores, so it is highly suggestive of every history & architectural partisan.

Little Venice

 It presents enthralling waterfront vicinity for explorers to let loose with mellow boat ventures rowing its inviting waterways. The area is marked with a lot of trees and cute little bridges, which help in reminiscing away from the town. With a striking view as one of the first-rate things to do in Baku, it is just for long quiet walks or a loving date.

Baku Eye Wheel

At an elevation of 60 meters, the incredible Baku Eye Wheel boasts imposing seeing angles of the city together with the outstanding Caspian Sea. One of the extraordinary landmarks, the Ferris, presents an amusing visual excursion. Riding the excellent Baku Eye is ideally suited for valuing the city’s splendor as well as its cityscape.

Museum Of Miniature Books

Baku is abode to the inimitable Museum of Miniature Books, an unusual place that contains probably the greatest number of tiny books in the world. People can see more or less 6000 plus miniature books, the size of a matchbox, which have been published at different times and in other countries. Overall, this absorbing museum is excellent for people who adore books and are simply inquisitive.

Baku Boulevard

Baku Boulevard, which lies along the Caspian Sea’s banks is an exhilarating walkway that can be explored by bicycle, on foot, or just by resting by the water. The area is replete with verdant parks, delectable eateries, and other structures in the skyline of the city. Hence, the observation is fabulous. One must survey Baku Boulevard to relish the town’s bubbly ambiance and the magnificence of the coast.

Wrapping Up

Baku is a harmonized juxtaposition of entertainment, nature, and culture. Be it an agreeable walk in a fantastic landscape or some frivolous activity in the adjoining locale, the place vows an encounter worth remembering. Shopping in Baku will be an idyllic last activity of your excursion, so take the opportunity.

[tripcapture00]

Historic Baku: A 5-Day Journey Through Time

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is a city rich in history and culture. Its historic architecture, ancient sites, and fascinating museums offer a window into the past. A 5-day journey through Baku will take you through the ages, from ancient times to the modern era, allowing you to explore the city's storied past.

Day 1: Arrival and Old City Exploration

Welcome to Baku

Upon arrival in Baku, check into your hotel and take some time to relax. Choose a centrally located hotel like the Four Seasons Hotel Baku or the Fairmont Baku Flame Towers for easy access to the city's historic sites.

Explore the Old City (Icherisheher)

Begin your journey through time with a visit to the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through its narrow, cobblestone streets and explore landmarks such as the Maiden Tower, a 12th-century monument shrouded in mystery, and the Shirvanshah's Palace, a stunning example of medieval architecture.

Day 2: Museums and Historical Landmarks

Azerbaijan National History Museum

Start your day at the Azerbaijan National History Museum, housed in the former mansion of oil baron Zeynalabdin Taghiyev. The museum's extensive collection includes artifacts from Azerbaijan's ancient, medieval, and modern periods.

Azerbaijan Carpet Museum

Next, visit the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, which showcases the intricate art of carpet weaving. The museum's unique design, resembling a rolled carpet, is itself a piece of architectural art.

Day 3: Religious and Cultural Heritage

Bibi-Heybat Mosque

In the morning, visit the Bibi-Heybat Mosque, a beautiful reconstruction of a 13th-century mosque destroyed during the Soviet era. The mosque is an important spiritual site and offers stunning views of the Caspian Sea.

Ateshgah Fire Temple

In the afternoon, take a trip to the Ateshgah Fire Temple, located on the Absheron Peninsula. This ancient Zoroastrian temple, also known as the "Temple of Eternal Fire," has been a place of worship for centuries and offers fascinating insights into the region's religious history.

Day 4: Gobustan and Petroglyphs

Gobustan National Park

Spend the day exploring Gobustan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient rock carvings and petroglyphs. These carvings, some of which date back over 10,000 years, depict scenes of hunting, dancing, and daily life, providing a glimpse into the lives of the region's early inhabitants.

Mud Volcanoes

After exploring Gobustan, visit the nearby mud volcanoes. Azerbaijan is home to nearly half of the world's mud volcanoes, and witnessing these unique geological formations in action is a fascinating experience.

Day 5: Modern History and Farewell

Heydar Aliyev Center

On your final day, visit the Heydar Aliyev Center, an architectural masterpiece designed by Zaha Hadid. The center hosts exhibitions on Azerbaijan's modern history and culture, and its fluid, futuristic design is a symbol of Baku's contemporary transformation.

Nizami Street

Spend your afternoon strolling along Nizami Street, Baku's main shopping avenue. The street is lined with historic buildings, modern boutiques, and cafes, making it a perfect place to relax and reflect on your journey through Baku's history.

Farewell Dinner

Conclude your historic journey with a farewell dinner at a traditional Azerbaijani restaurant. Enjoy local dishes such as plov (rice pilaf), dolma (stuffed grape leaves), and lavangi (walnut-stuffed chicken or fish) while reminiscing about your trip.

Conclusion

A 5-day journey through Baku offers a deep dive into the city's rich history and cultural heritage. From ancient petroglyphs and medieval palaces to modern architectural wonders, Baku's historical treasures provide a captivating experience for any traveler. Book your historic tour now and step back in time in the vibrant capital of Azerbaijan.

BAKU HOLIDAY PACKAGE

[ya-husain]

[ Bibi-Heybat Mosque ] : Shrine of Lady Fatima, the daughter of Imam Musa al-Kazim 'as' in Baku, Azerbaijan 🇦🇿

[konstantin-bogaevsky]

Bibi-Heybat, 1932, Konstantin Bogaevsky

[archatlas]

Hi! What are your favourite buildings in Baku? What about in Azerbaijan in general?

In my opinion, these are some of the highlights of Azerbaijan‘s architecture:

Sheki Khan's Palace

Turbe of Shirvanshahs

Heydar Aliyev International Airport Baku Autoban

Bibi-Heybat Mosque

Heydar Aliyev Center Zaha Hadid Architects

Ismailiyya Palace

We would love to hear from others about their favorite architecture in Azerbaijan.

[delux2222]

Happy Birthday, Konstantin Bogaevsky (1872-1943)

Bibi Heybat, 1932

[azmission]

This photo is often refered to as « H.Z.Tagiyev and his children » but it is a mistake. It shows H.Z.Tagiyev (53 years old) and daughters of his french foreman Mister Saint-Marc. Taken on 16th of August 1891 in Bibi-Heybat, his fabulous oil pits. - post by amazing Alban Claude, the only descendant of Tagiyev. 

Tagiyev was an Azerbaijani oil billionaire who is famous for its generous contributions to the community and sponsoring countless printing presses, schools and universities and, most importantly, the all-girls European style boading schools in all major cities of Azerbaijan. He was one of the most prominent figures whose efforts led to the women’s liberation and equal rights which was solidified in the joint declaration by Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (1918, after the collapse of the Russian Empire) which granted equal voting rights to all of its citizens, making Azerbaijan the first nation in the east to successfully ensure the political liberation of the female citizens. 

[anne-lister-adventures]

Wednesday, 20 May 1840

5 3/4

12 ½

An hour cleaning As[Ann’s] head very fine morning Reaumur 16 3/4º at 6 a.m. breakfast at 9 1/4 to 9 3/4 at which hour Reaumur 18 3/4º and Fahrenheit 74º on the window seat in glimmer of sun – Madame T-[Tchekmareff] had sent for us to go to the church 1/2 hour ago – Declined – Said not dressed – La benediction des eaux – Reaumur rose to 20º and Fahrenheit to 77º before 10 – 

Madame T-[Tchekmareff] sent Captain R.[Royal] N.[Navy] Pfouffanoff for us, and we went at 10 to see the Benediction – In a corner of the Jardin Public at the fountain or tank of water – The R.[Royal] N.[Navy] had arranged very nicely with flagstaffs and banners a sort of enclosure of the tank, and the thing was pretty – We kissed the cross and were gently sprinkled with the Eau Bénite – Then walked about the little garden that Mr. T-[Tchekmareff] takes pains with – Gained from the ramparts – Fine view over the Caspian – 

The gardens in the Old City of Baku (c. 1875 to 1900). (Image Source)

Then walked about Monsieur and Madame T-[Tchekmareff] and a Persian with us – Peeped down up the Fountain du Khan – A well descended to by a longish flight of stone steps – Then went into the Khan Bath – Square building outside domed dome resting on 4 pointed arches –

And 4 arched carpeted (divanned) rooms, and four lesser square rooms one at each corner and in these one could have vapour baths – The one I went into too hot to stay in – Tank in the middle under the centre of dome – Open a little to admit light and let out steam or bad air – Several people there lying or sitting on the divans – All dressed – Tolerably clean and tidy place – 

And then went to the Metched (Mosque) and ruined Palace of the Khan – The Mosque built A.H. 378 by Faruch Issar Shah – The square under the dome = 5 yards or nearly now a store Magazin of musquets swords and soldier’s cloth done up in barrels which supposed till explained to be barrels of powder went to top of Mosque – The flat bitumen covered roof round of dome done with blue tiles vernis – Fine view – 

The Bibi-Heybat Mosque before it was demolished. Shown here in a painting by Viggo Peter Olaf Langer "Mosque in Shikhov" (1911)

The Palace finely situated commanding the Town – A cloistered court (the divan) and handsome remain of the Hall of Judgment – Longed to have the Palace repaired for the residence of the Commandant – 

The Khan’s Palace in Baku (c. 1875 to 1900). (Image Source)

Back chez le Commandant to dine at 2 1/2 – Indian came – Wore 2 turquoise rings – I took one on trial at 5/- Silver – Home at 4 for about 1/2 and then back to Madame T-[Tchekmareff] sat about an hour and then she went with us (always à pied – No carriages going about here – Streets too narrow and up hill and distances too short) to pay our visit (return the call of the 1st evening) to Mr. and Madame Pfouffanoff – One gentleman (of the Douane) and his wife thence – 

Tea – Excellent little round cakes of flour and beurre fendu – Like English cream cakes – The house allowed to the Commodore as I call him par la bonté de Monsieur le Commandant otherwise their only house is the brig – Nice terrace from which fine view of the Town – 

All below the ruined bomb-struck minaret to which Madame P-‘s[Pfouffanoff’s] house is very near – The minaret near our lodging is that of the principal mosque which according to a Persian inscription (over one of the doors or somewhere) was repaired 800 years ago – 

The fine large round Tower close above the seashore is the Tour de la Fille so called because a Khan in love with his daughter imprisoned her there and she in despair threw herself down and was killed – Very ancient Tower – The promontory jutting out into the sea before us, just above the old ruined Caravanserai some of the old walls of which just seen above the water, is called the island of Bailofrinok (pronounced Bāh-ĕĕ-lŏ-frēē-nŏk) and beyond it is the island of Nargen, and the speck just visible beyond is Wolf island – 

View of embankment and Maiden’s Tower at Baku (c. 1875 to 1900). (Image Source)

Then in the distance sweeping round towards Baku is the promontory and District of Abscharon – A few drops of rain – Magnificent rainbow the arc quite perfect and fainter arc but perfect on this side of it – Never saw this phenomenon of double rainbow before? – 

Home at 7 5/’’ – Rained as we returned and had rained for 1/4 hour – A mere step from our lodging – 500 soldiers in the fortress – 4000 inhabitants in the Town and these included 14,000 inhabitants in the Town and environs – About 20 government employés here – 

Fine day but windy – North and South West the prevailing winds here – Sat writing out all but the first 5 lines of p.[page] 200, and pp.[pages] 201, 202, and first 8 1/2 lines of p.[page] 203 till 12 tonight –

[symbols in the margin of the page:]         ✓c

[in the margin of the page:]            Indian from Lahore – the 2 rings 10/- Silver

Page References: SH:7/ML/E/24/0108 and SH:7/ML/E/24/0109

[xtruss]

The World's Most Beautiful Mosques

— Elizabeth Stamp | Courtesy of Rizzoli | December 15, 2017

Raised amid historic Islamic architecture in Baku, Azerbaijan, interior designer Leyla Uluhanli’s appreciation for the architectural splendor of mosques began at a young age. This childhood exposure turned into a lifelong fascination, which has now lead to a comprehensive new guide to 53 of the world's most beautiful structures. Mosques: Splendors of Islam (Rizzoli, $75) explores places of both historic and contemporary places of worship from the Great Mosque of Córdoba in Spain to the minimalist Sancaklar Mosque in Istanbul. Architecture and design experts and scholars shed light on the architectural and ornamental elements and themes that distinguish Islamic architecture, as well as the components that are unique to each region. Read on to tour 10 incredible mosques around the globe.

Great Mosque of Paris, France 🇫🇷! The Great Mosque of Paris was founded in 1926 in the city’s 5th arrondissement. The building was designed in the Neo-Mudéjar style and references the architectural traditions of Spain and North Africa.

Shaykh Lotfollah Mosque, Isfahan, Iran 🇮🇷! Completed in 1618 or 1619, the Shaykh Lotfollah Mosque was built as a private royal place of worship and consists of a single domed chamber. The interior and exterior of the mosque are sheathed in exquisite tilework and 16 screened windows surround the domed ceiling, allowing light to filter in.

Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem, Palestine 🇵🇸! Jerusalem’s Dome of the Rock was built in the late seventh century and is considered one of the most important mosques in the world and the third holiest site in Islam. The structure was built on the platform known as the Noble Sanctuary or Temple Mount, which is considered to be the spot where the Prophet Muhammad began his night journey to heaven. Elaborate mosaics and marblework decorate the interior and exterior and a 780-foot-long Kufic inscription encircles the interior of the dome.

Qarawiyyin Mosque, Fes, Morocco 🇲🇦! The Qarawiyyin Mosque began as a small neighborhood place of worship and has been expanded and embellished for over a thousand years. The Court of the Lions, seen here, was added in the second half of the 14th century and features a marble fountain resting on 12 carved lions

Masjid-i Nasir al-Mulk, Shiraz, Iran 🇮🇷! Known as the Pink Mosque for its extensive use of the rosy hue, the Masjid-i Nasir al-Mulk in Shiraz showcases exuberant and lavish decoration—a trait common in late 19th-century mosques. Intricate and colorful kashi tilework was used throughout the design, and the minarets give a nod to the bell towers of Europe.

Heart of Chechnya (Akhmad Kadyrov Mosque), Grozny, Chechen Republic, Russia 🇷🇺! Completed in 2008, the Akhmad Kadyrov Mosque sits in a large riverside park and is part of a expansive complex that includes a madrasa, library, and student dormitories. The exterior features a dome surrounded by four towering minarets, and the interior’s red-striped marble walls were inspired by the Great Mosque of Córdoba.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE 🇦🇪! Constructed in 2007 and named for the former ruler of Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque currently ranks as the eighth-largest mosque in the world and can accommodate 40,000 people. Syrian architect Yusef Abdelki, who worked with Halcrow Group and the architecture/interior design firm Spatium on the project, was inspired by the lunar cycles, which forms the basis of the Islamic religious calendar.

Tilla Kari Mosque and Madrasa, (Samarkand, Uzbekistan 🇺🇿! A gleaming turquoise dome tops the Tilla Kari Mosque and Madrasa, which is located in the city center of Samarkand. The UNESCO World Heritage site was built between 1646 and 1660, and the interior features elaborate gilded tile.

Bibi-Heybat Mosque, Baku, Azerbaijan 🇦🇿! The new Bibi-Heybat Mosque, reconstructed and expanded between 1997 and 2005, draws from the original 1282 mosque, which was built over the tomb of Ukeyma Khanum, a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. The exterior features local limestone, and the interior is decorated with colorful tilework and gold inscriptions.

Faisal Mosque, Islamabad, Pakistan 🇵🇰! The Faisal Mosque is a mosque located in Islamabad, Pakistan. 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. The mosque features a contemporary design consisting of eight sides of concrete shell and is inspired by the design of a typical Bedouin tent. A major tourist attraction in Pakistan, the mosque is a contemporary and influential piece of Islamic architecture.

Construction of the mosque began in 1976 after a $28 million grant from Saudi King Faisal, whose name the mosque bears. The unconventional design by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay was selected after an international competition. Without a typical dome, the mosque is shaped like a Bedouin tent, surrounded by four 260 feet (79 m) tall minarets. The design features eight-sided shell shaped sloping roofs forming a triangular worship hall which can hold 10,000 worshippers.

Combined the structure covers an area of 33 acres (130,000 m2; 1,400,000 sq ft), the mosque dominates the landscape of Islamabad. It is situated at the north end of Faisal Avenue, putting it at the northernmost end of the city and at the foot of Margalla Hills, the westernmost foothills of the Himalayas. It is located on an elevated area of land against a picturesque backdrop of the national park. Faisal Mosque was the largest mosque in the world from 1986 until 1993 when it was overtaken by the mosques in Saudi Arabia. Faisal Mosque is now the sixth largest mosque in the world in terms of capacity.

[kilimart]

"Единственная молитва, в ответ на которую сразу приходит ответ, — это молитва о духовном возвышени" § Михаэль Лайтман. #mosque #bibiheybet (at Bibi-Heybat Mosque) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEv3-70j07v/?igshid=1gtknvank536b

[konstantin-bogaevsky]

Bibi-Heybat, 1932, Konstantin Bogaevsky