As promised in blog post 11 of this series (LINK), we would pass through the heavy doors into the inner sanctuary of the men's prayer room. This would be the highlight of the tour, as the inside boosted the world's second largest hand-woven carpet and a huge chandelier. Let's take a look inside...
Chandelier and ornate ceiling:
This chandelier was produced in Germany, by the Faustig company. It contains Swarovski crystals and is 14 meters in height.
Main prayer hall & mosaics:
The carpet in this hall is quite something. Visitors are not allowed to walk on it; instead, there is a blue pathway which takes guests down the center of the carpet and around the edges. The carpet is completely hand-woven and is the second largest in the world. There are over 1.7 billion knots and it weighs over 21 tonnes!! The carpet was produced in Iran.
The full, center chandelier / cutenekko in the prayer hall
a stained glass window
The guide explained the origin of materials used in the mosque. All were of the finest quality: marble from Italy, crystals from Swarovski, carpets from Iran, stained glass from Venice. Really, it was pure opulence.
Inside cloister hall
Stained glass & mosaics
View of three chandeliers:
This mosque is a must see in Oman. Please check back tomorrow. I will showcase more of the outside architecture of this grand structure and display many beautiful mosaics. I'm looking forward to seeing you again soon. ^_^
~ Information ~
The wiki site for this mosque is HERE.
The official website and virtual tour of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is HERE.
Trip Advisor awarded this mosque as a top attraction in 2013. It must not be missed. Read other reviews HERE.
The mosque is open everyday for visitors except on Friday, when it is open only between 8am ~ 11am. Proper dress is required. (long skirts/ pants with headscarves for ladies; men, please wear longer shorts and shirts)
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