Faisal Mosque

The Faisal Mosque is also referred to as the Shah Faisal Masjid. It is the national mosque of Pakistan. The mosque is one of the grandest and most unique mosques in entire Pakistan, if not the world. The size of the mosque is another uncommon aspect, and it was the largest mosque in the world for quite some time till it was finally overtaken.

The Masjid was completed building in the year nineteen eighty six. The mosque is a marvel of architecture, and was designed by world famous architect Vedat Dalokay from Turkey. The architect had competed with a huge number of applicants around the world in a competition to select the architect. He was chosen in nineteen sixty nine. The mosque is shaped in a most unique way. In fact it is shaped like a Bedouin Tent. The mosque has attracted rave reviews from all over the world for its unique architecture.

It was King Faisal bin Abdul Aziz from Saudi Arabia that suggested building this mosque in nineteen sixty six. The king funded a good part of the building of the Mosque as well, which is why the mosque is named after him. The mosque is the national mosque of Pakistan, and it stands as a symbol of hope and aspiration for the then baby nation.

Faisal Mosque is situated on a high bit of land set off perfectly by the Margalla Hills in the background. The location is an indicator of how important the mosque is, and it is visible from miles both during the day as well as night.

The architecture of the mosque is among the most unique. The traditional concepts of Islamic architecture, with arches and domes have been done away with in this structure, and all you will see is straight, clean lines, shaped like a Bedouin’s tent in the desert.

Quick Facts

•  Site Information  •  Names – King Faysal Mosque, Shah Faisal Masjid; (“Great Faisal Mosque”); Shah Faisal Mosque; King Faisal Mosque; Faisal Mosque;  •  Categorized as – Mosques  •  Date Built – 1986  •  Location – Islamabad, Pakistan  •  Belonging to Faith - Islam  •  Size – Building height – 131 f t ( 40 m ); minaret ht – 300f t ( 90 m )  •  Features – Largest in Pakistan  •  Architecture – Modern  •  Status – active  •  Cost for Entry – Free.