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Facing the scenic Putrajaya
Lake, the Putra Mosque (Masjid Putra) in Putrajaya is arguably its most
distinctive landmark and one of the most modern mosques
in the world. It is also a major tourist attraction here
in Putrajaya with its astonishing glowing pink color.
Photo: Putra Mosque with the Prime Minister's Office at
the
background
A showcase of how mosque
designs have evolved in Malaysia, Putra Mosque's
Islamic-architecture artistically blends traditional
designs, local craftsmanship and the use of indigenous
materials. The mosque is modeled after Persian Islamic
architecture of the Safavid period with elements derived
from other Muslim cultures. Incorporating a mixture of Malaysian,
Persian and Arab-Islamic architectural designs, the main
entrance to the mosque is fashioned in the likeness of
public building gates in Muslim Persia. Its 116 meters
minaret is influenced by the design of the Sheikh Omar
mosque in Baghdad, while the basement wall of the mosque
resembles that of the King Hassan mosque in Casablanca,
Morocco.
This place of interest in
Putrajaya is constructed in
rose-tinted granite which gives its desert-pink hue that
offsets the cengal woodwork on doors, windows and
panels. The Prayer Hall is simple and elegant and
supported by 12 columns that prop up the 36 meters diameter
main dome. The mimbar (pulpit) and mehrab (niche that
denotes the direction of Mecca) are adorned with khat or
Islamic calligraphy. A unique feature has been added to
the sound system design whereby front throw speakers are used
to create the effect of all sounds originating from the
direction of the imam and is full of worshippers during
the Friday prayers.
The mosque complex which can
accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers are also used to
hold conferences, seminars and symposiums. Worshippers
can also congregate at the sahn or paved courtyard in
front of the prayer hall. The courtyard is landscaped
with water features and can hold an additional 5,000
people. Easily the most recognizable attraction in
Putrajaya, leaving this place without taking a photo of
this famous pink mosque in Malaysia is really doing yourself
an injustice.
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