7 Beautiful and Unique Mosques Around the World

Sultan Ahmed Mosque, or more commonly known as the Blue Mosque, is one of the most famous in the world. With six minarets piercing the skyline of Istanbul, the Blue Mosque is strikingly beautiful from all angles of the city but anyone who visits the mosque will find it even more impressive from the inside. 20,000 hand-painted tiles line the interior walls of the mosque's lower level and the upper floors decorated in blue with stained glass windows designed to fill the building with natural light while chandeliers are adorned with ostrich egg fixtures.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was designed to "unite the world" and sourced its materials from countries as far as Italy, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, and more.  Some of the mosques most memorable features are the opulent chandeliers encrusted with Swarovski crystals and large reflecting pools that echo the design's balance between shape and light. It is large enough to hold 40,000 people and the main prayer hall alone can accommodate over 7,000 worshipers.

Right in the center of bustling Colombo, Sri Lanka, the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, or "Red Mosque" seems out of place with iconic domes and candy-stripe design. Built during the 19^th century, it is the most iconic site in the city and extremely busy, drawing a congregation of 10,000 to pray every day. Between its unique location stand-out look, this mosque is worth the visit.

Also known as the Mezquita-Catedral, the Great Mosque of Cordoba is one of the oldest buildings from the time Muslims ruled present-day Spain. Though this religious site has transformed from a Roman temple to a mosque to a cathedral, its most distinct features are inspired by Islam. From the celebrations of geometric patterns to the distinguished Mihrab, the Great Mosque of Cordoba of is a fantastic example of how good design can blend cultures and preserve history.

In Kazan, a Russian city on the Volga River, the Qol Sharif Mosque is a stands out among Russia's equally beautiful orthodox churches. Though the original Qol Sharif was built in the 16^th century, the current building was built much more recently after the first was destroyed. This explains its modern and clean design. The mosque also serves as a Museum of Islam where you can learn more about the mosque and the history of Islam in the region.

This grand structure made of steel and glass is one of the most unique and modern mosques in the world. Located at Islamic Heritage Park on the island of Wan Man, the mosque opened in 2008. The Crystal Mosque literally shines as colored lights illuminate the building from the inside, casting beautiful reflections on the water. It is also equipped with Wi-Fi and the surrounding park contains replicas of some of the most famous mosques around the world.

To truly experience the beauty of the Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz, Iran, you have to step inside. Rainbows abound, the stained glass walls cast beautiful kaleidoscope-like colors and shapes throughout the building. Often referred to as the "Pink Mosque" for the pink tiles that fill the interior, this is a place where color is celebrated. If you visit, make sure to get an early start as the mosque is designed to capture the morning light best.