Faisal Mosque, Islamabad: 8 facts about Pakistan's national mosque
Faisal Mosque in Islamabad was completed in 1986, designed by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay and named after King Faisal of Saudi Arabia. Key facts.
Faisal Mosque (Shah Faisal Masjid) sits at the foot of the Margalla Hills in Islamabad. It is Pakistan's national mosque and one of the best-known buildings in the country.
Faisal Mosque facts
- Completed: 1986
- Architect: Vedat Dalokay, from Turkey, who won an international design competition
- Named after: King Faisal bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia, who supported funding for the project
- Shape: inspired by a Bedouin tent, with no traditional dome
- Minarets: four, each about 80 metres tall
- Capacity: room for around 300,000 worshippers including its courtyard and grounds
- Record: it was the largest mosque in the world from 1986 until 1993
- Location: the northern end of Faisal Avenue, Islamabad
Visiting Faisal Mosque
The mosque is open to visitors outside prayer times. Visitors are asked to dress modestly and remove shoes before entering the prayer areas.
Related
- Pakistan's 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Minar-e-Pakistan: the story of Lahore's landmark
Have you visited Faisal Mosque? Tell us on Instagram.