Blue Mosque, Amman, Jordan

Blue Mosque, Amman, Jordan

Magnificent Mosque

King Abdullah I Mosque was built between 1982 and 1989. Construction began in 1982 on the orders of late King Hussein of Jordan and completed in 1989. It was built in memory of his grandfather, King Abdullah I. It is the only mosque open for non-Muslims visitors.

The Huge Dome tinted with Many Shades of Blue  

It is capped by a blue, mosaic dome .Therefore it is popularly known as the Blue Mosque.The twin minarets adds to its appeal.It is also known as Masjid Abdullah I. It is considered to be the largest and most modern of all the mosques in Amman.

History

On the 20^th of July 1951, King Abdullah I of Jordan and his grandson, Prince Hussein were in a mosque in Jerusalem for Friday prayers when an assassin opened fire on them. King Abdullah was shot thrice and he died immediately.

Prince Hussein was also hit but a medal ‘which his grandfather had pinned to his chest earlier, deflected the bullet’ and he was saved. Later, when he reigned as King Hussein (1952-1999) he built the King Abdullah I Mosque in Amman as a tribute to his grandfather.

Description

The Minaret

A View of the Mosque from the Courtyard

The Mosque is a big, round building without any pillars inside it. It is entered through a gift shop. We had to climb a few steps to reach a wide courtyard and then enter the shop in the basement, selling souvenirs. At its rear end there is a small antechamber with rows of black and coffee-brown abaya (full-length dress) on hangers. Each one of us wore an abaya according to our size and only then we could enter the mosque. The dress was given free of charge. Men must wear long trousers for entry inside the mosque.

Before Entering the Mosque

The mosque is situated on a higher platform so that we had to climb a few more steps.

Steps Leading to the Mosque

 Before entering the mosque we had to take off our shoes.

The Elaborate, Inner Courtyard Just outside the Mosque

The inside of the mosque is profound with depth and divinity. The large hall is carpeted with red, plush fabric. The ceiling is beautifully ornamented and the chandeliers are splendid.

The Embellished Ceiling

The  Glorious Chandelier

The Grand Interior

Colorful, Floral Dreamholes near the Ceiling 

There were about four entry and exit points besides the main entrance. Mecca is south of Jordan so people here face the south while praying. Photography is allowed inside. There is a small section for women and a smaller section for the royal family. Our guide told us that King Abdullah II comes here every morning during Ramadan. The space is large and 3000 worshipers can congregate at one time. There is a wooden pulpit-type structure from where the Maulvi delivers his sermons. 

A  Section Inside the Mosque

The whole complex (comprising of the mosque and the courtyard) has a capacity for 10,000 worshipers.

On the opposite street is Coptic Church facing the Mosque. Jordan’s population is comprised of 97.2% of Muslims and 2.2% of Christians.

Coptic Church

 Though the Blue Mosque is no longer the primary place for worship, yet thousands of foreign and local tourists continue to visit the mosque each year.

Photographs: Supplied