7 Stunning Middle Eastern Mosques You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

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_{Mosques that serve as more than just houses of worship can be found all over the Middle East and North Africa. They are living testaments to craftsmanship and faith, architectural wonders, and cultural time capsules. A silent constellation of lesser-known mosques delivers stories that are just as rich and visually striking as those told by famous structures like the Hagia Sophia and Al-Aqsa Mosque. We're highlighting seven mosques in the area that are worthy of being on your list of must-know places in honor of Eid Al Adha.}

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1. Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, Fes

_{You can find an 859-tiled treasure right smack in the middle of Fes, Morocco. Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque is considered the oldest university in the world in addition to its 1,200-year worship history. Founded by the pioneering Tunisian woman Fatima Al-Fihri, the mosque incorporated religion into the front of an institution of learning.}

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_{It has a roof of emerald-green tiles and a courtyard paved with classical zellige tiles. Its rectangular halls act as a time travel through artistic architecture and intellectual history.}

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2. Mosque of Mohamed Gargash, Dubai

_{This sleek, light-filled mosque in Dubai’s Al Quoz district is breaking boundaries in more ways than one. Designed by Saudi architect Sumaya Dabbagh and opened in 2021, the Mosque of Mohamed Gargash, nicknamed the Mosque of Light, is a minimalist masterpiece.}

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_{Its geometric facade and flowing Arabic inscriptions offer a stunning contrast to the industrial surroundings. It’s one of the few mosques in the Gulf designed by a woman, marking a shift in both design and representation.}

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3. Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque, Shiraz

_{If fairy tales had prayer halls, this would be it. The Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz, Iran is a kaleidoscope of color, especially during sunrise when light pours through its stained glass windows.}

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_{Built in the Qajar era, it features muqarnas ceilings, detailed tilework, and floral motifs that dance across the walls in vibrant hues. It’s not just a mosque, it’s a living light show.}

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4. Imam Al-Tayeb Mosque, Abu Dhabi

_{Set within the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi, this mosque honors Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayeb and reflects a message of unity. Inaugurated in 2023, the mosque is a serene vision of arches and vaults, brought to life by architect Sir David Adjaye.}

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_{Its interiors boast mashrabiya-inspired walls that invite natural light into its open, soaring spaces—showing how modern mosques can blend tradition with new forms of expression.}

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5. Blue Mosque, Mazar-i-Sharif

_{This mosque is a royal blue vision rising from the city of Mazar-i-Sharif in northern Afghanistan. Built in the 15th century, it’s wrapped in intricate tilework and crowned with domes that shimmer under the sun.}

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_{Locals believe it houses the tomb of Ali Ibn Abi Talib, giving the mosque deep spiritual resonance. And outside? You’ll find fluttering doves that lend the site a gentle, peaceful charm.}

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6. Al-Bidya Mosque, Fujairah

_{Don’t let its modest size fool you—Al-Bidya Mosque is a quiet legend. Located in the UAE emirate of Fujairah and built in 1446, it’s the country’s second-oldest mosque. Constructed from mud, stone, and plaster, its unique design includes four domes and a single interior pillar.}

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_{Even today, this humble structure remains a vital prayer space, proving that sacredness doesn’t always need scale.}

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7. Queen Arwa Mosque, Jibla

_{Perched in the mountains of Jibla, Yemen, this 11th-century mosque carries the legacy of Queen Arwa Al-Sulayhi. She ruled for nearly 70 years and left behind a mosque rich in Fatimid design elements, including carved stone minarets, an elegant mihrab, and her own tomb.}

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_{With its strong female roots and timeless artistry, it’s a beacon of both faith and history.}

_{These seven mosques offer more than beautiful visuals. They carry narratives of leadership, education, and devotion woven into every tile and arch. Whether centuries old or fresh from a modern sketchpad, each one reflects the depth and diversity of Islamic design. Next time you’re exploring the Middle East or North Africa, or planning your dream trip, consider adding these spiritual landmarks to your list. They’re as awe-inspiring as they are soul-stirring.}

_{Last on the list is one of Yemen’s oldest mosques, which is yet again connected to a powerful female leader whose reign lasted for nearly seven decades. It is named after Queen Arwa Al-Sulayhi, who was born in the 11th century and led her nation when she was in her twenties. Sitting in a mountain of Jibla (a former capital city of Yemen), her namesake mosque, featuring elements of Fatimid art, has the typical parts of a mosque, such as an open courtyard, a mihrab, the queen’s tomb and stonemade minarets.}

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