The Mohammad Al Amin Mosque (Arabic: جامع محمد الأمين), also known as the Blue Mosque, is a prominent Sunni mosque located in the heart of downtown Beirut, Lebanon. A striking modern landmark, it is one of the city’s largest and most famous places of worship, known for its grand Ottoman-inspired architecture and its association with the late Prime Minister Rafic Hariri.
Listen to an introduction to Mohammad Al Amin Mosque
Name and Address
Name: Mohammad Al Amin Mosque, or the “Blue Mosque” due to its distinctive blue domes.
Address: The mosque is located in Martyrs’ Square, a historic and central public space in downtown Beirut, Lebanon. The specific address is often cited as: Mohammad Al Amin Mosque Martyrs’ Square Beirut, Lebanon
How to Get There
Given its central location, the mosque is easily accessible by various means.
- By Taxi or Ride-Sharing: This is the most straightforward method. The mosque is a well-known landmark, and drivers will be familiar with its location in Martyrs’ Square.
- On Foot: The mosque is within walking distance of many other attractions in the Beirut Central District, such as the Roman Baths and the Beirut Souks.
- By Bus: While Beirut’s public bus system is not extensive, some routes run near the Martyrs’ Square area.
Landscape and Architecture
- Architecture: The mosque’s design is heavily inspired by classical Ottoman architecture, particularly the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) in Istanbul. Its most famous features are the massive blue dome, covered in vibrant light blue tiles, and the four elegant minarets that tower 65 meters high. The exterior is clad in a warm-toned “Beiruti yellow sandstone,” creating a beautiful contrast with the blue dome and helping it blend with the surrounding city center. The interior is equally ornate, with high ceilings, intricate calligraphy, and a large chandelier.
- Landscape: The mosque is situated in a bustling urban landscape at Martyrs’ Square, a place of significant historical and political importance in Lebanon. It stands directly adjacent to the St. George Maronite Cathedral, a symbol of Beirut’s religious diversity and a testament to its commitment to interfaith harmony.
What Makes it Famous
The Mohammad Al Amin Mosque has become famous for several key reasons:
- Iconic Architecture: Its towering minarets and brilliant blue dome make it a defining feature of Beirut’s modern skyline, visible from many parts of the city.
- A Symbol of Modern Beirut: Completed in 2008, it is a relatively new landmark that represents the post-civil war reconstruction of downtown Beirut.
- Association with Rafic Hariri: The construction of the mosque was primarily financed by the late Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, who was assassinated in 2005. His mausoleum is located directly adjacent to the mosque, making it a place of pilgrimage for many Lebanese.
- Prime Location: Its presence in the historic Martyrs’ Square and its coexistence with a prominent Christian cathedral next door make it a powerful symbol of national unity and a key tourist destination.
Differences from the Sursock Museum
While both are major cultural landmarks in Beirut, the Mohammad Al Amin Mosque and the Sursock Museum are very different in their purpose and style.
- Purpose: The Mohammad Al Amin Mosque is a religious place of worship for Sunni Muslims. The Sursock Museum is a contemporary art museum, converted from a historic private villa.
- Architectural Style: The mosque is a modern structure built in a grand Ottoman-inspired style, while the Sursock Museum is an early 20th-century mansion that blends Ottoman and Venetian architectural traditions.
- Visitor Experience: Visiting the mosque is an experience of religious and architectural appreciation, often requiring respectful attire. A visit to the Sursock Museum is an art-focused experience, where visitors view exhibitions and attend cultural events.
Mohammad Al Amin Mosque Photos:
