Since the birth of Islam in the 7th century, Islamic architecture has evolved to encompass a wide assortment of styles. From intricate domes to towering minarets, here are the best examples of Islamic architecture from around the globe.

Dome of the Rock, Jeruselem, Palestine

Located on the temple mount in the old-city of Jeruselem, the Dome of the Rock is among the first Islamic monuments in the world. The building was complted during the Umayyad caliphate(691-92 CE)

Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque, Shiraz, Iran

Also known as the pink Mosque, Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque was built during the Qajar dynasty in Iran. The mosque is unique from other Islamic architecture in that it makes use of Orsi (Persian stained glass), to illuminate the interior.

Royal Palace of Fez, Morocco

While most of the palace was constructed during the Alaouite era (17th-20th century), the foundation of the structure dates back to 1276 CE at the time of the Marinid dynasty.

Registan, Smarkand, Uzbekistan

Registan-which means desert in persian- lies at the heart of the ancient city of Samarkand, once part of the Timurid empire.

Saint Petersburg Mosque, Russia

Opened in 1913, the Saint Petersburg Mosque is the largest Mosque in Europe outside of Turkey.

Nur Astana Mosque, Kazakhistan

The third largest Mosque in Central Asia, Nur Astana Mosque is recognized by its towering gold capped minarets. the minarets are in fact, 40 meters high -to symbolize the age of the prophet when he received the revelations.

Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca , Morocco

The mosque is one of the largest in Africa and it’s minaret is the World’s second tallest-measuring at 210 meters.

Shah Mosque, Isfahan, Iran

Regarded as a masterpiece of Persian architecture, the shah mosque is one of the crown jewels of the Iranian city of Isfahan. the Mosque was built under the rule of Shah Abbas I of Persia during the Safavid dynasty.

The Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey

A classic example of Ottoman style Islamic architecture, The mosque serves as both a place of worship and a popular tourist site.

Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam, Multan, Pakistan

Serving as a shrine for the Sufi saint Sheikh Rukn-ud-Din Abul Fateh, the building dates back to the 13th-14th century. The tomb is one of the earliest examples of Tughluq architecture in the Indian Subcontinent.

The Alhambra, Granada, Spain

Alhambra is the Spanish pronunciation of the Arabic words “Al Hamra”- meaning “the red one”. The architecture is a fusion of both Roman and Islamic styles.

Linxia National Grand Theater, Gansu, China

Located in the planned new town of Linxia, the theater’s architecture is based off a mosque in Oman. The building blends Middle Eastern architecture with contemporary styles.

Putra Mosque, Putrajaya, malaysia

Located near the Malaysian Prime Minister’s office, the building consists of a Mosque, a courtyard and a range of learning facilities and function rooms. It has a capacity for 15,000 worshipers at a single time.

The Great Mosque of Samarra, Iraq

The Samarra Mosque is a Unesco world heritage site. It was constructed in the 9th century under the Abbasid Caliphate. During the time it was constructed, it was the biggest Mosque in the world.

Taj Mahal, India

The Taj Mahal is one of the most iconic buildings in the world. The monument was build to house the tomb of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Faisal Mosque, Islamabad, Pakistan

The largest Mosque in South Asia, the Faisal Mosque was a gift from King Faisal of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan. The unorthodox triangular shape was inspired by the design of a Bedoin tent.

Museum of Islamic art, Qatar

Another example of cotemporary Islamic architecture, the museum is a popular tourist site, particularly at night.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

With it’s white and gold color scheme, the Mosque is the largest in the United Arab Emirates. During Eid, the Mosque accommodates more than 41,000 visitors.

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