Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an architectural marvel and a symbol of Islamic culture, located in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. Named after the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder and first president of the UAE, the mosque serves as a testament to his vision of uniting the country and preserving its cultural heritage. Construction of the mosque began in 1996 and was completed in 2007, spanning over a period of 11 years. The design, inspired by Persian, Mughal, and Moorish mosque architecture, was led by Syrian architect Yousef Abdelky. The mosque covers an area of approximately 22,412 square meters and can accommodate over 40,000 worshippers. An interesting fact about the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is that it houses the world's largest hand-knotted carpet. Designed by Iranian artist Ali Khaliqi, it was crafted by around 1,200 artisans in Iran and took nearly two years to complete. The carpet measures 5,627 square meters and weighs around 35 tons. This impressive feature, along with the mosque's 82 white marble domes, 1,096 exterior columns, and 24-carat gold gilded chandeliers, make it a must-visit destination for tourists and worshippers alike.

As I approached the awe-inspiring Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the sun glistened off its pristine white marble, illuminating the intricate floral patterns across the majestic building. I felt a sense of reverence wash over me as I removed my shoes and stepped inside, my eyes drawn to the colossal hand-knotted carpet beneath my feet. The harmonious blend of Persian, Mughal, and Moorish architectural styles makes me feel intimately connected to the rich tapestry of Islamic history. With each step deeper into the sanctuary, I was captivated by the glint of the 24-carat gold gilded chandeliers and the delicate calligraphy adorning the walls. An unforgettable moment in the heart of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Enjoy!

Thank you for traveling with me!

This is part of my ongoing travel visual clips, where I share a glimpse of my travel visuals and thoughts. Each series features a paragraph about the history of the place, followed by a paragraph describing my thoughts while exploring that place. Accompanied by no more than fifteen carefully curated images that I took, each series is intended to give you the umami of travel. - Julius Yls

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[//]:# (!pinmapple 24.41219 lat 54.47551 long Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque - JuliusYls d3scr)