Brief History:

Al-Shuhada Mosque is one of the most important and oldest religious sites in Iraq. Located in the city of Samarra, this mosque dates back to the ninth century and is one of the oldest Shi'a Muslim sites in the world. The mosque is also known as the “Golden Mosque” due to its intricate gold-coated minaret and its elaborately decorated interiors. It was originally built in 851 CE by the founding Shiʿa dynasty of the Abbasid Caliphate and has been a site of pilgrimage and worship for thousand of years. The mosque was destroyed in a 2006 bombing attack, but reconstruction efforts have been ongoing for several years. The mosque and its grounds are now a part of the World Heritage Site of Samarra Archaeological City. It is one of the most famous mosque in Iraq which you must visit.

Architecture:

The Al-Shuhada Mosque, located in Samarra, Iraq, is one of the most iconic religious buildings in the Middle East. Taking its name from the expression "martyrs”, Al-Shuhada Mosque is an important centre for Shia worship and its architecture is a tribute to the religion's ancient history and enduring legacy. The mosque is distinguished by its distinctive Green Dome, symbolically aligned with nearby second-century Imams’ mosque, and a 36-metre tall, green-tiled minaret. The mosque is surrounded by a large wall and gate with distinctive arches, which was constructed in 944 AD, and a few nearby smaller walls, built later. Inside, the mosque features a large prayer hall with two great arches, opening onto a long hall running to the back of the mosque. On the main walls of the prayer hall, there are colorful mosaics from the Umayyad era depicting scenes from Islamic history, and further away, beautifully intricate geometric and floral stucco work adorns the ceiling. The courtyard is a feature of the mosque that will surely take your breath away. It is encircled by a row of off-white pillars, and is around the height of the walls. The courtyard is paved with colorful geometric tiles. Al-Shuhada Mosque is one of the most important monuments of Islam's rich cultural legacy, and a testament to Iraq's contribution to the Muslim world. Its architecture is a testament to the beauty and craftsmanship that was employed in mosques across the world, and it is a fitting tribute to those who laid their lives down in the defense of their faith. This is why, it is considered one of the most beautiful mosque in the world.

Visiting Hours:

The visiting hours for Al-Shuhada Mosque in Samarra, Iraq, are from 8 AM to 1 PM. Visitors should expect to remain at the mosque for approximately two hours. Entry and exit are regulated by security personnel. During the visiting hours, visitors will be allowed to enter the prayer hall, mausoleum, and courtyard, and they will also be allowed to engage in photography. No food is allowed within the mosque and all mobile phones must be switched off during the visit. Non-Muslims are welcome, but not allowed to enter the prayer hall out of respect. best mosque in the world.

Travel Information:

the Al-Shuhada Mosque is located in Samarra City in Iraq, at Latitude 34.184579 North, Longitude 43.882093 East The nearest international airport to Al-Shuhada Mosque is Baghdad International Airport, located 67 km away. The airport has regular flights to many countries in the Middle East and Europe. By car, Al-Shuhada Mosque is accessible via several highways. The fastest route is to take Highway 1 from Baghdad, which runs all the way to Samarra. Other points of access include Highway 3 at the Al-Makasib area and Highway 5 at Al-Mushaab. Public transport services are available from a number of cities such as Baghdad, Tikrit, and Mosul. Buses and taxis are available from these cities to Samarra. There are also train services available from Baghdad, which take around two hours to reach Samarra. beautiful masjid.