Quba Mosque
The holiest of holies among the mosques in Medina, Quba Mosque in Saudi Arabia is the oldest mosque in the world. Visited by pilgrim’s world wide, the ancient mosque is one of the leading Tourist Attractions of Saudi Arabia and forms part of any Saudi Arabia Travel Guide.
Quba Mosque in Saudi Arabia plays a fundamental role in the history of Religion of Saudi Arabia. The name of Prophet Muhammad has been associated with the mosque, since its inception. The first stones of the mosque are said to have been laid by the Prophet himself, after his migration from Mecca to Medina. The building of the mosque was subsequently completed by the companions of the Prophet. This famous mosque was also once home to the Prophet for 20 days.
The mosque is also a must visit for any one who is interested in the Architecture of Saudi Arabia. Featuring a prayer hall with four minarets, the architecture of the mosque has the simple, straight lines and ribbed white domes, they're characteristic of the architectural tradition in Medina. The marble courtyard of the prayer area is done up in a dramatic red, black and white combination. Quba Mosque at Saudi Arabia in Asia was rebuilt in 1986, and it present
Architecture
When Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil was commissioned, in the 20th century, to conceive a larger mosque to replace the old mosque, he intended to incorporate old structure into his design. But the old mosque was torn down and replaced with a new one.
The new mosque consists of a rectangular prayer hall raised on a second storey platform. The prayer hall connects to a cluster containing:
• residential areas,
• offices,
• ablution facilities,
• shops, and
• a library
Six additional entrances are dispersed on the northern, eastern and western façades. Four minarets mark the corners of the prayer hall. The minarets rest on square bases, have octagonal shafts which take on a circular shape as they reach the top.
Prayer Hall
The prayer hall is arranged around a central courtyard, characterized by six large domes resting on clustered columns. A portico, which is two bays in depth, borders the courtyard on the east and west, while a one-bayed portico borders it on the north, and separates it from the women's prayer area.
The women's prayer area, which is surrounded by a screen, is divided into two parts as a passageway connects the northern entrance with the courtyard.
When Quba Mosque was rebuilt in 1986, the Medina architecture was retained - ribbed white domes, and basalt facing and modest exterior - qualities that recalls Medina's simplicity. The courtyard is flagged with black, red and white marble. It is screened overhead by day from the scorching heat with shades. Arabesque latticework filters the light of the palm groves outside.
Other links:
Masjid al-Haram (Part 1)
Masjid al-Haram (Part 2)
Imam Hussein Shrine (part1)
Imam Hussein Shrine (part2)
Al Abbas Mosque
