Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is one of the most magnificent iconic structures both in the Islamic world and in Oman. This mosque is one of the most beautiful and extravagant modern mosques in Muscat and in the world.
In this mosque, you can see a reflection of Islamic, Middle Eastern, and Omani architectural styles. Sultan Qaboos commissioned Iranian artists from Neyshabur to build this mosque. Neyshaburi and Omani artists then cooperated in its construction.
The big and famous chandelier of Sultan Qaboos Mosque
The government of Oman commissioned Swarovski, a famous Austrian-based crystal glass manufacturer, to design the chandelier. It hangs from the huge dome above the magnificent prayer hall. The chandelier is eight meters in diameter and 14 meters high, weighing about eight tonnes.
Inaugurated in 2001 after six years of continuous work, Sultan Qaboos Mosque has a capacity of 20,000 worshipers and visitors. It is regarded as the largest mosque in Oman and its capital, Muscat. The gigantic chandelier lights up the admirable carpet.
Persian carpet in Sultan Qaboos Mosque, Oman
You can find the largest hand-woven Iranian carpet, spanning 4263 square meters, in the inner courtyard of this mosque.
Bringing together classical Persian design traditions originating from Isfahan and Kashan (cities in Iran), it features thousands of beautiful patterns of intricate Islamic designs, all woven together in great harmony. A true feast for the eyes, it captivates any visitor who comes to see it. You might find it interesting to know that the design of this carpet drew inspiration from the map of the dome of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in Isfahan.
To gain entry to this historical and religious site, visitors must adhere to specific regulations. These rules include prohibiting children under 10 years of age from entering the prayer hall, eating or sleeping within its confines, and using mobile phones inside the mosque.
Additionally, visitors must wear modest clothing, and women must follow Islamic guidelines by covering their hair, shoulders, and hands.
Sultan Qaboos mosque prayer hall in Oman
The dome of the mosque is 34 meters in height; in the center of which, there is the famous chandelier with 1122 lamps that emits beautiful light inside this dome.
Of course, you don’t have time to read all those books; however, it would be definitely amazing to know that there are 20,000 exquisite historical books that contain a world of knowledge. Additionally, this mosque features a small ablution room for worshipers and visitors to wash and clean before prayers. Moreover, the mosque has another section, the lecture hall, where various ceremonies take place, and the public can enter for free.