8 Wonderful architectural design on domes of mosques in Muscat

Al Zawawi Mosque. Photo supplied Mosques are not just places of worship. These monuments signify a magnificent blend of architectural styles and designs. They also act as centres for propagation of Islamic religion, civilisation, literature and culture. The Sultanate is home to numerous mosques known for brilliant design and structural beauty. Plenty of skilled artisans, under the supervision of renowned designers and architects who paid attention to the minutest detail, toiled hard for years to complete theses edifices and deliver it to society. Here is a list of eight beautiful mosques in Muscat which are unique in nature, thanks to the size, shape and colour of domes and minarets, style of calligraphic inscriptions, arrangement of marble layers, exquisite chandeliers and mangificent carpets that provide a sacred ambience. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque No one can miss the imposing corridors while entering the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in Oman. It is a treat to watch the solid arches crowned by a strip of Quranic verses even as the sunlight streams through its openings. The decorative marble and the contrast between the colour of the stone and the blue-stained glass of the windows present a beautiful perspective of the mosque. The Mihrab (prayer niche of the Imam, one of the most sacred parts of the mosque) is decorated with tiles bearing flower patterns, taking a cue from the Persian style of ornamentation. Besides, the 14-metre high chandelier that contains 1,122 lamps and the unique design of the prayer carpet with 28 colours are the other major features of the mosque. Al Zulfa Mosque With more than 20 beautiful domes and corridors overlooking a wide landscaped area, Zulfa mosque is one of the masterpieces in Islamic architecture. The Mihrab is decorated with beautiful forms and patterns. Glass is used to add light and colour to the interior where one could read the verses from the Holy Quran in the beautiful Arabic script. Gold colour has been predominantly used in the decorative designs. Old chandeliers give the monument a touch of ancient Gulf architecture. The mosque, opened in 1992, is widely known as Royal Guards mosque. Al Zawawi Mosque  Located close to the Ministries District, Al Zawawi Mosque is a major landmark in Al Khuwair. Shaped like an inverted lotus and made of pink marble covered in 22-carat gold leaf, the golden dome shines during the day, giving the structure a distinctive look. The interior walls have brass plates with the whole text of Holy Quran inscribed on it. Sultan Said Bin Taimur Mosque The chandelier that looks like a blossoming flower and dangles from the ceiling will catch your eyes while entering the mosque. The flowery background adds to its splendour which resembles like a beautiful painting. Ornamentation in different shades of blue dots the interior, while the arches produce a beautiful and harmonious work of art in the design of the mosque, constructed in 1999. What makes the monument a cynosure is its stunning Ottoman architecture of covered domes and pencil minarets. Sultan Taimur Bin Faisal Mosque  The mosque, built in 2012 in memory of the grandfather of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, has a blend of 16th century Mongolic architecture and modern Omani architecture. It has a unique ceiling with three domes, one in the middle and one each on either side of it. Beautiful marble layering adds to the beauty of its exterior, while the interior showcases some intricate Arabic calligraphy. Al Khor Mosque A 19th century mosque, which was renovated many times over the years, Al Khor Mosque is located behind the Al Alam Palace and Al Mirani fort in Old Muscat. Its tiled ceiling has inscriptions of 99 divine names of Allah besides two fully tinted glass walls. It is one of the mosques without large ceiling dome. The mosque is commonly known as the 'Mosque of the Family' referring to the Royal Family of the Sultanate. Masjid Al-Rasool Al-Azam The biggest attraction of the Masjid Al-Rasool Al-Azam is its big blue dome, besides the tall minarets, and white Quranic inscriptions can be seen from any angle of the Muttrah Corniche. The mosque, believed to be constructed in the 15th century, was renovated many times. Mohammed Al Ameen Mosque The mosque, inaugurated in 2014 and widely known as Bahwan Mosque, is one of the beautiful mosques in the country as it is built on a high elevation in Bousher. With the majestic mountains in the backdrop, the white mosque looks imposing during the day. Aesthetically pleasing illumination at night turns the exterior violet while the domes shine brightly in golden hue.