Islam is the second largest religion in the world after Christianity, with more than 1.5 billion followers around the world. Since the beginning, Islam left an beautiful and fascinating marvels of architecture in broad range of mosques, tombs, palaces and forts around the world. This is our list of top 10 beautiful examples of Islamic architecture.
1. Taj Mahal, India
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One of the new 7 wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of Mumtaz Mahal. The whole mausoleum is built by white marble. Taj Mahal is universally admired and is a world heritage site and is also one of the most visited place in the world.
2. Sultan Hassan Mosque, Egypt
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Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrassa is in Ciaro, Egypt. It took 3 years (1356-1359) to construct the mosque without even a single day of idleness.
3. Bibi-Heybat Mosque, Azerbaijan
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Built in the 13th century, Bibi-Heybat (Also known as Mosque of Fatima) is a historical mosque and houses the tomb of Ukeyma Khanum and is the spiritual center for Muslims in the region. Interior of the mosque is decorated with ornaments.
4. Badshahi Mosque, Pakistan
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One of the most famous and visited place in Pakistan is the Badshahi Mosque. Built in the Mughal era by Aurangzeb, Badshahi Mosque is one of the largest mosque in the world. Its design is mixture of Islamic, Persian and Central Asian arts.
5. Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Iran
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Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is one of the best example of Islamic architecture in the world. Built in the early 17th century, its chief architect was Shaykh Bahai. Interior of this mosque is considered the best in Persian Islamic architecture.
6. The Great Mosque of Xi’an, China
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The Great Mosque of Xi’an one of the most famous and oldest mosque in China. The original structure of this mosque was built in 742 A.D. but it was renovated in later periods. But unlike traditional mosque around the world, it has neither domes nor traditional style minarets.
7. Agra Fort, India
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The Agra fort is the sister monument of the famous Taj Mahal situated in Agra city of Indian state Uttar Pradesh. The Agra fort is also UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a brick fort with a semicircular plan, its walls are 70 feet high.
8. Rüstem Pasha Mosque, Turkey
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The Rustem Pasha Mosque built between 1561-1563, during the Ottoman Empire by architect Mimar Sinan for the grand vizier Rüstem Pasha. Now the mosque hosts now a religious school.
9. Suleiman Mosque, Turkey
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This one is also an Ottoman imperial mosque located in Istanbul. Suleiman Mosque is one of the most known tourist attraction in Turkey.
10. Fortress of Al-Ukhaidir, Iraq
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Situated about 50 km south of Karbala, Iraq. It is a large fortress built with unique defence style. The complex comprises a primary hall, a large Iwan, a reception hall and servants quarters.