Brief History:

The Al-Saadi Mosque is an iconic place of worship located in Basra, Iraq. It is said to be the largest mosque in the whole region, covering nearly twenty thousand square meters of land. The construction of the mosque was completed in 822 CE, under the rule of the Abbasid Caliph al-Ma'mun. It is an architectural marvel, boasting two distinct domes and four imposing minarets. The mosque houses a distinctive Persian influence in its design, reflecting the importance of the Islamic empire and its culture in Basra. It is also home to some of the oldest copies of the Quran in the region. The Al-Saadi Mosque has served as a place of spiritual guidance and worship for generations of Basrans. It is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike. It is one of the most famous mosque in Iraq which you must visit.

Architecture:

The Al-Saadi Mosque in Basra, Iraq is an Islamic complex and spiritual center that dates back to the 11th century. As one of the oldest mosques in Iraq, it has served as a focal point of Muslim worship in the city for centuries. The design of the mosque is inspired by the Persian, Ottoman, and Arabic architectural styles. The mosque is divided into two main sections – one is the prayer hall and the other is the portico. Both sections contain walled courtyards with a number of arches and columns. The main prayer hall is around 20 meters in length and 18 meters in width, giving it a very grand and spacious feel. It has intricately decorated carved stucco and vibrant tilework, which covers both the walls and ceiling. The center of the hall is where the Mihrab is located, a large window-like structure that helps in orienting worshippers towards Mecca for prayer, as well as oval medallion designs on the walls and ceiling. The courtyard is also home to various minarets, with their ornately carved cupolas, adorned with inscriptions from the Quran. The portico section of the mosque is smaller, with arcade of five pointed horse-shoe arches and two domes at the center. The portico has a series of rooms and a fountain in its center, which were likely used for ablutions or ceremonial cleansing before prayers. Other features of the mosque include a tall minaret, turrets, and a U-shaped monumental entrance. The Al-Saadi Mosque is a beautiful and imposing example of traditional Islamic architecture, and its significance as a place of spiritual importance cannot be overstated. This and other mosques in Iraq are essential links to the Islamic heritage of the region, not only for the faithful, but for generations to come. This is why, it is considered one of the most beautiful mosque in the world.

Visiting Hours:

The visiting hours of the Al-Saadi Mosque in Basra, Iraq are from 8:00am to 12:00pm and from 4:00pm to 7:00pm every day, all year round except for Fridays. On Fridays, the visiting hours are from 8:00am to 12:00pm and from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. best mosque in the world.