Faisal Mosque

The Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan has a rich history that includes.

Conception:

The idea for the mosque began in 1966 when King Faisal bin Abdul-Aziz of Saudi Arabia visited Pakistan and supported the government's plan to build a national mosque. 

Design:

In 1969, an international competition was held, and the winning design was submitted by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay. 

Construction:

Construction began in 1976 and was completed in 1986. The mosque was funded by the Saudi Arabian government, and the first prayer was offered on June 18, 1988. 

Size:

From 1986 to 1993, the Faisal Mosque was the world's largest mosque. However, it has since been surpassed in size by other mosques. 

Significance:

The mosque is a symbol of friendship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. It's also a major tourist attraction and an important example of Islamic architecture. 

Features:

The mosque is built from white marble, which reflects light during the day and night. It has four 88-meter minarets, a main prayer hall and courtyard that can accommodate around 100,000 people, and a 40-meter ceiling. 

Adjacent features:

The mausoleum of the late President, Zia ul-Haq, is located next to the mosque.