While staying at the Al Bustan Palace we took several excursions to check out some of the sites around Muscat. One of the trips was to see the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Completed in 2001 this incredible display of modern Islamic architecture was a gift to the nation from Sultan Qaboos to mark the 30th year of his reign. Some basic facts, the mosque is built from 300,000 tons of Indian sandstone, the main dome is 160 feet high, the mosque holds over 6,500 worshipers, plus 750 in the women’s mosque and another 12,750 in the interior courtyards for a total of 20,000 worshipers. There are 5 minarets 4 that mark the corners of the walled grounds plus a fifth larger minaret, these symbolize the five pillars of Islam.

The mosque features the second largest hand-woven single piece Persian carpet in the world, it weighs 21 tons. It covers the entire prayer hall floor which measures 230 x 160 feet. It took 400 women four years to weave.

The chandelier is 45 feet tall and was made by Faustig a German company, it is claimed to be the 2nd largest in the world.

my best overall shot of the mosque from the taxi

there are beautiful walkways and gardens surrounding the mosque

inside the walls were more gardens and long magnificent walkways

beautiful archways leading up to the grand mosque

view of the largest minaret with archways inscribed with verses from the Quran

shoe racks just outside the mosque

first view of the mosque

dome and chandelier made with 600,000 Swarovski crystals reflecting through1,114 halogen bulbs

detailed Islamic geometrical designs in the dome

400 women tied 1,700 million knots to make this carpet

M.E. blending in

the mihrib is an ornamental indentation that marks the direction of Mecca with the minbar where sermons are given

view of carpet and additional chandeliers

beautiful mosaics throughout the mosque

timbered panels reflect the architecture of Omani ceilings

one last look before we exited

exterior wall with minaret

corridor within the wall

wudu – washing area before prayer

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque