The Sheikh Zayed Marble Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Marble Mosque

United Emirates
Abu Dabhi
The Sheickh Zayed Mosque.

The mosque is located in Abu Dabhi, the capital of the United Emirates and was constructed from 1996 to 2007 by the late president Sheich Zayed pin Sultan Al Nahyan who wanted to unite the cultural diversity of the islamic world with the aesthetic values of modern architecture. It is an imposing structure of white marble and can house more than 45000 people. It also houses a big library with classic books and publications.
The most outstanding features of the mosque are:
a) The gigantic courtyard famous for its floral design. It measures about 17000m2 and is considerd the largest example of marble mosaic in the world.
b) The carpet in the main prayer hall is considered the world's largest carpet designed by an Iranian artistand offered as a gift by an Iranian company. It measures 5600 m2 and consists of 2.268.000.000 knots. It weighs 45 t.
c) Seven precious chandeliers imported from Faustig Company Munich that incorporate millions of Swarovski crystals.
d)The marble spectacular columns more glorious at night with the unique lighting system, designed by famous lighting architects Speirs and Major Associates to reflect the faces of the Moon.
e) All columns are clad with white marble and inlaid with mother of pearl, one of the few places in the world to have this craftmanship..

The photo shows the inner courtyard.