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Wave of obsession or passion? Top Surviving Artifacts of Muslim Civilization

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The fantastic mosque, madrasah, and mausoleums, unique museums with a variety of historical artifacts and inestimable monuments of architecture are the main artifacts of the Muslim civilization. Nowadays they resemble the history of the development of one of the oldest religions in the world. It will be interesting for everybody, who is not indifferent to ancient history, to visit these amazing sights. And if the greatest Moslem mosques are accessible only to believers, museums are accessible absolutely for everyone, all can walk around and admire some architectural monuments. Nowadays inestimable monuments of Islamic civilization are represented in various countries of the world. In this review, we will talk about the most interesting and visited places among them.

Dome of the Rock Mosque, Israel

In Jerusalem, there is one of the most famous Muslim monuments - the Mosque Qubbat al-Sakhra, also known as the Mosque Dome of the Rock. The main distinguishing feature of this monument is a huge dome, shining with gold. Also, it attracts the eyes its traditional bright mosaic on the walls. The Muslim mosque was built on the Temple Mount, not by accident. Its construction lasted for 4 years and was completely finished in 691. Today pilgrims can see the stone from which the foundation of the mosque began. It is located on the peak of the rock.

Dome of the Rock Mosque, Israel According to the legend, it was just the place, where the Prophet Mohammed tied his mount and told the gathered people that it was necessary to pray five times a day. Within the walls of the mosque, several important Muslim artifacts are kept. Every year thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to worship them. In the mosque, there is a trace of the prophet`s foot, and also a few hairs from his beard are kept here. The huge dazzling golden dome of the mosque is visible from various parts of Jerusalem, its diameter is 20 meters, while the height reaches 34 meters.

Over the years, the mosque has been repeatedly destroyed and restored, the last destruction occurred in 2008 when a strong earthquake happened in Jerusalem. The foundation stone is located in the main hall of the mosque, it is partitioned off by two fences - believers are forbidden to touch this shrine. The mosque building, which visitors can see today, remains practically unchanged since 1035. Visiting the mosque is accessible only for adherents of the Muslim religion, while absolutely everybody can admire this great mosque outside. Next - Museum of Islamic Art

Museum of Islamic Art, Qatar

Museum of Islamic Art, Qatar Located in Doha, the Museum of Islamic Art is a cultural landmark of world significance. It is situated in a large and incredibly beautiful modern building, which is considered as a true monument of modern architecture. The exposition of this museum includes an interesting collection of glass and ceramics products, and also jewelry. The age of some exhibits is more than 200 years. Complete article

Al-Aqsa Mosque, Israel

Al-Aqsa Mosque, Israel In Jerusalem on the Temple Mount, there is another great Muslim shrine - the Al-Aqsa Mosque. This mosque is not distinguished by its impressive scale and luxury of decoration, but for the adherents of the Muslim religion, it is a permanent symbol of faith. The founder of the mosque is Caliph Umar, its construction was completed in the middle of the 7th century. According to the legend, before the ascension to Allah, the Prophet Muhammad prayed on the place where today the mosque is located. At the same time, up to 5,000 believers can pray in the walls of this mosque, which is crowned by a huge dome of lead. Complete article

Kaaba, Saudi Arabia

Kaaba, Saudi Arabia The Kaaba is the main Muslim shrine, which during hadj, gathers pilgrims all over the world. The Kaaba is an unusual and very harmonious temple of a cubic form, the walls of the temple are painted in black and adorned with elaborate painting with gilding. The height of the main Islamic shrine is 13.1 meters. For Muslims Kaaba is a kind of reference point, it is just the side, to which they turn their eyes every day during prayer. Until now, the exact date of the construction of the temple, as well as its founder, is for certain unknown. Complete article

Islamic Art Museum, Egypt

Islamic Art Museum, Egypt In Cairo, there is also an incredibly interesting Museum of Islamic Art, which collects historical artifacts and works of art all over the world. The museum in Cairo is very large, there are 25 galleries in its building, each of which represents artifacts of a certain time period. One of the most valuable exhibits of the museum is the gold key, inlaid with precious stones - this is the key to the doors of the Kaaba. Complete article

Masjid an-Nabawi, Saudi Arabia

Masjid an-Nabawi, Saudi Arabia Al-Masjid an-Nabawi mosque, where the Prophet Muhammad is buried, is the major religious symbol for Muslims. According to the history, the first mosque was built here at the times of the prophet’s life. Later the modest holy place was set up enormously under the authority of Islamic rulers. Today the mosque stands out not only by the enormous size but also by the adorable design. This effect was made due to the usage of noble marble breeds and precious stones. Complete article

Bibi-Xonim Masjidi, Uzbekistan

Bibi-Xonim Masjidi, Uzbekistan In Samarkand, there is a famous Bibi-Khanym Mosque, also known as the Tamerlane Mosque. It was built in 1404 and is distinguished by a chic design, the shrine is decorated with carved marble, artful paintings, and tiles. After the conquest of India, Tamerlane ordered to build in the city a smart mosque, which will not have the equal one in beauty universally. The founder has chosen the location of the mosque independently, for construction he attracted the best masters from Iran, India, the Golden Horde and Khwarezm. Complete article

Turk ve Islam Eserleri Muzesi, Turkey

Turk ve Islam Eserleri Muzesi, Turkey In Istanbul, there is an incredibly interesting museum of Turkish and Islamic art, which presents over 40,000 exhibits to visitors. This museum is located in the immediate vicinity of the Blue Mosque, among its priceless exhibits are chic handmade carpets, ancient writings of the 12th century, unique ceramics and wood products. The location of the museum is a beautiful historical building - the palace of Ibrahim Pasha, he itself is an invaluable historical object. Complete article

Sultanahmet Camii, Turkey

Sultanahmet Camii, Turkey Blue Mosque or the Sultan Ahmed Mosque is one of the most important sights of Istanbul and the greatest religious landmark of the world. In this mosque there are six minarets, it is located in the heart of the historical district of Istanbul, next to the other landmarks. The construction of the mosque lasted from 1609 to 1616, the height of its dome is 43 meters, at a time 10 000 people can stay within the walls of the mosque. Complete article

Ismoil Somoniy Maqbarasi, Uzbekistan

Ismoil Somoniy Maqbarasi, Uzbekistan Among the Muslim sights of the early Middle Ages, the mausoleum of the Samanids occupies a special place. This unique monument is located in the historical district of Bukhara, surrounded by a large well-kept park. Hundreds of years ago there was a cemetery in this place, but today nothing resembles its existence. According to the available historical data, the mausoleum was built in the second half of the 9th century, but several centuries later it was partially destroyed and came to desolation. Complete article

Museum Kesenian Islam, Malaysia

Museum Kesenian Islam, Malaysia An interesting museum, dedicated to the Muslim art, is located in Kuala Lumpur. It was founded in 1998. There you can find more than 7 000 unique objects and even more, it has a perfect library with a huge number of Islam books. The museum is divided into 12 galleries. There you can see rare ancient Quran manuscripts, incredibly beautiful handmade textile, pieces of art and jewelry. Complete article

Sherdor Mаdrаsasi, Uzbekistan

Sherdor Mаdrаsasi, Uzbekistan One more crucial for Muslim people holy place - the Sherdor Madrasasi, which is located in Samarqand. This unique historical building is situated on the Registon square. It was built in the 17th century. The Madrasasi is usually understood as the unified architectural ensemble along with the Ulug`bek Madrasasi and other closely spaced buildings. In 2001 the Sherdor Madrasasi along with a number of other historical buildings of Samarqand was included in a list of UNESCO world heritage. Complete article

Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, United Arab Emirates

Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, United Arab Emirates One of the most visited points of interest of Sharjah is the Museum of Islamic Civilization. It is situated in the Al-Majjarah area and has an incredibly beautiful building with a dome. Paying a little sum of money, the visitors can see a number of unique artifacts. They are placed in two large halls and four galleries. Among historical artifacts and art objects, you can see interesting expositions, devoted to the history of physics’, math’s and astronomy’s development. Complete article
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