The 12 oldest mosques in the world
Discover the 12 oldest mosques in the world, from Saudi Arabia to China, including details on their history, architecture and current status, highlighting their importance in the rich tradition of Islam's historical and architectural heritage.
Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Location: Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Year of Construction: Originally built around 638 AD; has been rebuilt and expanded numerous times
Summary: The Masjid al-Haram, also known as the Great Mosque of Mecca, is the largest mosque in the world and the holiest site in Islam. It surrounds the Kaaba, which Muslims believe was built by Abraham and his son Ishmael.
Quba Mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia
Location: Medina, Saudi Arabia
Year of Construction: 622 AD
Summary: The Quba Mosque is considered the first mosque in the world, built by Prophet Muhammad and his companions when they migrated from Mecca to Medina.
Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi in Medina, Saudi Arabia
Location: Medina, Saudi Arabia
Year of Construction: 622 AD
Summary: Also known as the Prophet's Mosque, this mosque was built by Prophet Muhammad in Medina. It is the second holiest site in Islam and includes the Prophet's tomb.
Masjid Al-Qiblatain in Medina, Saudi Arabia
Location: Medina, Saudi Arabia
Year of Construction: Approximately 623 AD
Summary: Masjid Al-Qiblatain is notable in Islamic history as the location where the direction of prayer (qibla) was changed from Jerusalem to Mecca.
Jawatha Mosque in Al-Kilabiyah, Saudi Arabia
Location: Al-Kilabiyah, Saudi Arabia
Year of Construction: 629 AD
Summary: Also known as Al-Jawatha Mosque, it is one of the earliest mosques in Islam, built by the tribe of 'Abd al-'Ashhal.
Huaisheng Mosque in Guangzhou, China
Location: Guangzhou, China
Year of Construction: Believed to be around 627 AD
Summary: The Huaisheng Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in the world and is known for its unique, ancient minaret.
Cheraman Juma Mosque in Kodungallur, India
Location: Kodungallur, India
Year of Construction: 629 AD
Summary: Cheraman Juma Mosque is believed to be the first mosque in India and was built by Malik Ibn Dinar, an Arab propagator of Islam.
Palaiya Jumma Palli in Kilakarai, India
Location: Kilakarai, India
Year of Construction: Believed to be built around the 8th century AD
Summary: Also known as the Old Jumma Mosque, it's one of the oldest mosques in India and exhibits Dravidian architecture.
Great Mosque of Kufa in Kufa, Iraq
Location: Kufa, Iraq
Year of Construction: 639 AD
Summary: This mosque holds significant religious importance in Shia Islam as it is associated with several important Islamic figures.
Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Syria
Location: Damascus, Syria
Year of Construction: 705 AD
Summary: Also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus, this mosque is one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world, and a monumental architectural landmark.
Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem
Location: Jerusalem
Year of Construction: Original construction in 705 AD, rebuilt several times
Summary: The Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam. It's located on the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem.
Imam Hussain Mosque in Karbala, Iraq
Location: Karbala, Iraq
Year of Construction: The original shrine was built in 684 AD, but the mosque has been rebuilt numerous times
Summary: This mosque is a holy site of Shiah Islam, as it's the burial place of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.
