Built between 1996 and 2007 in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the eighth largest mosque in the world (with a capacity for 40,000 worshippers), and is considered to be the key for worship in the country. It was initiated by the first Ra’îs (president) of the UAE, HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who wanted to establish a structure which unites the cultural diversity of Islamic world, the historical and modern values of architecture and art.
It features 82 domes, over a 1,000 columns, 24 carat gold gilded chandeliers and the world's largest hand knotted carpet (5,627 m2). The main prayer hall is dominated by one of the world’s largest chandeliers (10m in diameter, 15m in height and weighing 12 tonnes). There are four minarets on the four corners of the courtyard which rise about 107 m in height. The courtyard, with its floral design, measures about 17,000 m2, and is considered to be the largest example of marble mosaic in the world.
The mosque's first ceremony was the funeral of its namesake, Sheikh Zayed, who is buried at the site. Its design and construction "unites the world", using artisans and materials from many countries including Italy, Germany, Morocco, Pakistan, India, Turkey, Malaysia, Iran, China, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Greece and United Arab Emirates. More than 3,000 workers and 38 renowned contracting companies took part in its construction.
The design has been inspired by Persian, Mughal and Moorish mosque architecture, particularly the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore and the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, being direct influences. Its archways are quintessentially Moorish and its minarets classically Arab. Reflective pools surround the mosque, amplifying its beauty. The 99 names (qualities or attributes) of God (Allah) are featured on the Qibla wall in traditional Kufic calligraphy, designed by the prominent UAE calligrapher - Mohammed Mandi Al Tamimi.
About the stamps
The stamps are part of the series The 40th Anniversary of the Union Supreme Court 1973-2013, issued on May 8, 2014. The four stamps (with the same face value, 1 AED) have the colours of the country flag:
• red
• green - It's on the postcard 1151
• white - It's on the postcard 1151
• black - It's on the postcard 1151
References
Sheikh Zayed Mosque - Wikipedia
Sender: ???
Sent from Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi / UAE), on 30.06.2014
No comments:
Post a Comment