Brief History:

Al-Mustansiriya Mosque is one of the largest and oldest mosques in Baghdad, Iraq. It is located in the center of the city, near the Tigris River. The mosque was built in 1227 AD (628 AH) by Caliph Al-Mustansir and is named after him. The Al-Mustansiriya Mosque was originally a madrasa (Islamic school) and its construction was financed by the tribute of al-Mustansir to the Abbasid caliphate. This type of madrasah is highly institutionalized, with students learning logic, rhetoric, philosophy, mathematics, Islamic law, and theology. As well as its educational functions, the mosque also served as an administrative center and was a key religious and cultural center. The mosque includes a large prayer courtyard, a madrasa, and minarets. The mosque was destroyed during the Mongol invasion in 1258 and was rebuilt in 1483. The mosque underwent major renovations in 1999 and 2013, restoring much of its former glory. It is one of the most famous mosque in Iraq which you must visit.

Architecture:

The Al-Mustansiriya Mosque is a renowned mosque located in the city of Baghdad, Iraq. The mosque was built in 1227 under the orders of Caliph Al-Mustansir. It is known for its unique architectural style and has become a landmark in Baghdad. The mosque consists of a two-storey prayer hall, a minaret, and several domes which sits atop a 15-meter high platform. The prayer hall has four aisles, each lined with twenty columns. The columns were some of the first in Iraq to feature the distinctive muqarnas pattern. The mosque also features Muqarnas domes, which symbolize both Islamic and Persian traditions. The mosque spans a large area, with the prayer hall measuring 24.5 feet in length and 14 feet in width, and the four mihrabs measuring 10 feet in height and 3 feet in width. The walls of the mosque are around 7 meters high, with two decorative elipses. At the entrance of the mosque, two minarets were built on each side of the central door. The balcony of the upper floor can be accessed through the minarets. The lower balcony has five windows in the form of small arched openings, which was a common feature in Iraqi and Persian mosques. The mosque also has a complex system of underground water reservoirs, which are used for ablutions and irrigation systems. The original design of the mosque features intricate stucco work, marble ensembles and Quranic inscription, which are still preserved to this day. This is why, it is considered one of the most beautiful mosque in the world.

Visiting Hours:

The visiting hours of the Al-Mustansiriya Mosque in Baghdad, Iraq, are from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day. The mosque is generally closed on Fridays, the Islamic holy day, and on certain Islamic holidays. best mosque in the world.

Travel Information:

The Al-Mustansiriya Mosque is located in the city of Baghdad, Iraq. Getting to Baghdad: The nearest major international airport to Baghdad is Baghdad International Airport (BGW), located about a 15-minute drive west of the city center. There are direct flights from a number of major cities, including Istanbul, Amsterdam, Doha, London, Paris and Frankfurt, as well as other Middle Eastern cities. Getting to Al-Mustansiriya Mosque: The mosque is located in the heart of Baghdad and is easily accessible by taxi, bus or private car. By Taxi: Taxis are a reliable and convenient way to get around Baghdad. A taxi from downtown to the Mosque will cost about 8,000 Iraqi Dinar (AED 13). By Bus: The public bus system in Baghdad is relatively well developed and reliable. Buses are the cheapest way to get around the city. You can take the local bus, route #117, to the Al-Mustansiriya Mosque. The fare is 1,000 Iraqi Dinar (AED 2). By Private Car: Private cars are another reliable option for getting to the Mosque. There are plenty of car rental companies in Baghdad, such as Europcar, Thrifty, and Avis. Prices can vary, but expect to pay around 25,000 Iraqi Dinar (AED 43) for a full day rental. beautiful masjid.