Mosques

A mosque is a building where Muslims come together to pray. Mosques can be found in countries all around the world. They often have round domes and tall, thin towers called minarets. Inside, mosques are usually decorated with colorful tiles and geometric patterns.

Parts of a Mosque

Most mosques have a large prayer hall where people kneel on soft carpets to pray. A niche in one wall called a mihrab shows the direction of Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. The minaret is a tall tower where a person calls out to let people know it is time to pray. Many mosques also have a courtyard with a fountain for washing before prayer.

Beautiful Designs

Mosques are known for their stunning decorations. Artists use tiny colored tiles to create detailed patterns on the walls and ceilings. You will often see stars, flowers, and swirling shapes. Arabic calligraphy, which is beautiful handwriting, is also a common decoration in mosques.

Fun Facts

• The Great Mosque of Mecca in Saudi Arabia is the largest mosque in the world. It can hold over 2 million people at once.
• The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, gets its name from the 20,000 blue tiles that cover its interior.
• Some mosques have special rooms called libraries where people can read and study.

Did You Know?

The word 'mosque' comes from the Arabic word 'masjid,' which means 'a place of bowing down.' Muslims bow toward Mecca when they pray.