When you first set foot in Oman, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, may God have mercy on him, is often among the first places you are encouraged to visit. A must-see, it is one of the country’s most iconic landmarks. Located in Bawshar, near the road leading into the heart of Muscat, it is the largest mosque in the Sultanate.
On arriving, you are immediately struck by the calm and tranquillity of the place. I have always felt that this site reflects the country itself: a place of rare beauty, echoed in the peacefulness and hospitality of its people. From the building itself to the gardens surrounding it, a visit offers a wonderful introduction to Oman. And to appreciate this place more fully, a few words about its history are in order.
Construction of the mosque began in 1995 at the initiative of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, may God have mercy on him. It was designed by Iraqi architect Mohamed Saleh Makiya in collaboration with the London-based firm Quad Design. It took six years to complete this vast complex, which occupies a site of 416,000 m² and can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers.
While some things are best left for you to discover, I would encourage you to take the time to admire the enormous handwoven Persian carpet covering the floor of the prayer hall. Measuring approximately 70 by 60 metres, or 4,200 m², and weighing 21 tonnes, it was made by some 600 Iranian artisans. Above it hangs one of the largest chandeliers in the world. Made with Swarovski crystal, it stands 14 metres tall and is adorned with thousands of LED lights. This spectacular chandelier illuminates the space with a light that feels both lavish and soothing, preserving the serenity of the hall.
Beyond its religious role, the mosque is also a place of knowledge, education and cultural dialogue. Along the southern gallery are a library and an institute of Islamic sciences, where young Omanis and students from abroad come together to study. The library holds around 20,000 reference volumes devoted to science, Islamic culture and the humanities, covering subjects as varied as theology, history and art.
And now, enough talk! I’ll leave you to enjoy a little preview of the visit through my own photographs.
Photo gallery
Discover photographs from this visit.