Edinburgh Central Mosque

Edinburgh Central Mosque
Religion
AffiliationIslam
Branch/traditionSunni
Location
LocationPotterow, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Edinburgh Central Mosque is located in the City of Edinburgh council area
Edinburgh Central Mosque
Shown within the City of Edinburgh council area
Geographic coordinates55°56′42″N 3°11′10″W / 55.94500°N 3.18611°W / 55.94500; -3.18611
Architecture
Architect(s)Basil Al-Bayati
Typemosque
StyleModern that incorporates both Scots baronial and Islamic features
Construction cost£ 3.5 million
Specifications
Capacity1,250 (including women) [1]
Dome(s)2
Minaret(s)1 (also 3 towers on the corners) [2]
Website
www.edmosque.org

Edinburgh Central Mosque (officially known as the King Fahd Mosque and Islamic Centre of Edinburgh) is located on Potterrow near the University of Edinburgh central area and the National Museum of Scotland. The mosque and Islamic centre was designed by Dr. Basil Al Bayati, and took more than six years to complete at a cost of £3.5M.[3] The main hall can hold over one thousand worshippers,[4] with women praying on a balcony overlooking the hall. The mosque holds chandeliers and a vast carpet, with very little furniture.

The architecture combines traditional Islamic features with some Scots baronial style.

Regarding the design, Geza Fehervari, Professor of Islamic Art & Archaeology at London University, has said "The architectural elements and decorative details, while basically relying on Islamic, mainly Turkish traditions, successfully interact with the architectural and decorative age-old customs of Scotland."[5]

  1. ^ "Google Mosque Map - UK Mosques Directory".
  2. ^ "Colour Correction". Retrieved 26 July 2008.
  3. ^ "UK Edinburgh mosque opens". BBC News. 31 July 1998. Retrieved 2 July 2008.
  4. ^ "Muslim Directory". Archived from the original on 3 October 2011. Retrieved 2 July 2008.
  5. ^ Fehervari, Geza (9 June 1989). "Faith in Tradition" (No. 940 ed.). Building Design magazine. p. 26.