King Abdullah I Mosque

King Abdullah I Mosque

The King Abdullah I Mosque is situated in the heart of Amman, the capital of Jordan. Constructed between 1982 and 1989, it is named after King Abdullah I, the founding monarch of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. As the largest mosque in Amman and one of the city’s most recognizable structures, its blue dome adorned with magnificent mosaic tiling stands out prominently against the surrounding white buildings, earning it the nickname “The Blue Mosque.” A pair of tall minarets in front of the mosque serve as landmarks for tourists navigating Amman.

The King Abdullah I Mosque is the only mosque in Amman open to non-Muslim visitors. Its grand octagonal prayer hall is supported by no columns and features a 35-meter-diameter dome inscribed with excerpts from the Islamic holy book, the Quran. The blue dome symbolizes the sky, while the golden lines extending from the top to the base depict the 99 rays of light that illuminate Allah. The massive three-tiered chandelier contains further inscriptions from the Quran.

The enormous blue dome can accommodate up to 7,000 worshippers, while the courtyard can hold 3,000 more. Additionally, there is a separate prayer hall for female worshippers that seats 500, and a smaller royal prayer room. Inside the mosque, there is also a small Islamic museum that exhibits pottery, photos of King Abdullah I, materials about his legacy, along with Islamic artworks, coins, and stone carvings.

King Abdullah I Mosque

Must-visit reason: The largest mosque in Amman

Continent: Asia

Country/Region: Jordan

Province/State: Amman Governorate

City: Amman