Shah Faisal Moque, Islamabad., Pakistan

2 more images

Faisal mosque is located at the end of Shaharah-e-Islamabad,at one end of the city. It is a focal point of Islamabad with a magnificent backdrop provided by the Margalla Hills. This is an amazing building and well worth seeing. It is huge. Unfortunately we could not go inside due to the end of Ramadan nigh and some religious people were doing a fast in the mosque so we were not to go in. Shoes off before entering the site.
In 1969, an international competition was held in which architects from 17 countries submitted 43 proposals. Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay's design was chosen. Construction of the mosque began in 1976. King Faisal bin Abdul Aziz (Saudi Arabia) provided the funding, and both the mosque and the road leading to it were named after him after his assassination in 1975. The mosque was completed in 1986.

1 more image

These gardens are very nicely kept and are well situated to take in a wonderful view of Islamabad. It was refreshing to see some order in the designed gardens. Its well worth the visit there. One garden has planted a tree for each president of prime minister who has visited Islamabad.

The mosque is situated at the end of Shaharah-e-Islamabad, against the backdrop of the picturesque Margalla Hills. This placement defines its importance, positioning it on elevated terraced land ensures its visibility during day and night for miles around. The mosque is dedicated to the memory of the late King Faisal of Saudi Arabia who graciously defrayed the cost of the project as a gift to the people of Pakistan.
The mosque at its inception was conceptualized as the national mosque of the newly formed Islamic nation and was intended to symbolize the hopes and aspiration of Pakistan. The Turkish architect, Vedat Dalokay's design was selected through an international competition. It has sloping roofs, an opulent marble face and four towering minarets. The complex also houses the Islamic Research Center, library, museum, lecture hall, cafeteria and the offices of the faculty of the Islamic University.