Putra Mosque

Facing the scenic Putrajaya Lake, the Putra Mosque is arguably Putrajaya's most distinctive landmark and one of the most modern mosques in the world.

A showcase of how mosque designs have evolved in Malaysia, Putra Mosque's Islamic-architecture artistically blends traditional designs, local craftsmanship and the use of indigenous materials.

The mosque is modeled after Persian Islamic architecture of the Safavid period with elements derived from other Muslim cultures.

Incorporating Malaysian, Persian and Arab-Islamic architectural designs, the main entrance to the mosque is fashioned in the likeness of public building gates in Muslim Persia.

Its 116-metre minaret is influenced by the design of the Sheikh Omar mosque in Baghdad, while the basement wall of the mosque resembles that of the King Hassan mosque in Casablanca, Morocco.

The mosque is constructed in rose-tinted granite which gives its desert-pink hue that offsets the cengal woodwork on doors, windows and panels.

The Prayer Hall is simple and elegant and supported by 12 columns that prop up the 36-metre diameter main dome.

The mimbar (pulpit) and mehrab (niche that denotes the direction of Mecca) are adorned with khat or Islamic calligraphy.

A unique feature has been added to the sound system design - front throw speakers are used to create the effect of all sounds originating from the direction of the imam.

The mosque complex which can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers can be used to hold conferences, seminars and symposiums. Worshippers can also congregate at the sahna paved courtyard in front of the prayer hall.

The courtyard is landscape with features and can hold an additional 5,000 people.