Sitting adjacent to Sulaymaniyah, Iraq‘s main bazaar to the rear of the (surprisingly Chinese-influenced) Kaso Mall, this mosque is much more artistically impressive than the Great Mosque on the opposite side. The open square in the center of the mosque is a quiet oasis from the acoustically chaotic streets right outside and open to the public. So calming was the interior that I (regretfully) neglected to jot down the name of mosque.
One thing I found interesting was the frequency of what appeared to be Ottoman tughra’s inscribed around the mosque’s minarets. This visually distinctive style of calligraphy, well-known as the signature of Ottoman sultans, is thought to be based on the style of an Abbasid calligrapher (approximately 1000 AD). I was unable to determine the origin of these specific tughra’s, although the Abbasid Caliphate was in control of Sulaymaniyah for around 400 years, suggesting a potential connection.
You can see more of my pictures from the city, including what some of the local cuisine looks like, in my Sulaymaniyah gallery here.
I love the perspective from this photo, it beautifully captures the detail and draws your eye to the top.
Thanks Ayngelina, it was a lucky shot – I remember running back to grab another picture of the minaret and I’m glad I did 🙂
I think you’ve been following your own photography tips! 🙂 Love this photo. Looking forward to looking at the gallery on a less stressful day…!
Julia
I increased the exposure setting on the camera to help bring out the light 🙂
Beautifully done. 🙂
Thanks Aly!
Cool shot…love the angle!
Thanks Lisa, being short helps getting this perspective 😛
Wow, GORGEOUS capture!!! Great angle.
Thank you Andy 🙂
I take it this mosque wasn’t in the guide book!
Very beautiful! I’ve yet to get to the mosques in Amman – but they are on my list!
Not much is in Sulaymaniyah! I’m a sucker for religious architecture for some reason I love taking pictures of churches, mosques, temples, etc.
Beautiful shot! I like how the blue stands out even against the sky…
The art around the minarets of this particular mosque were very detailed – it also personally stood out for Earl and I since seeing it helped us get our bearing and un-lost on our first day there 🙂
I love it Anil! The pattern on the tiles is beautiful. 🙂
Being a huge fan of your photography Bethany, I especially appreciate the compliment!
Great picture!
Lots of luck and good lighting, thanks!
Great angle for the photo.
It was being a good and photogenic subject 😉
Great Shot Anil!
Thanks!
Hi Anil, Very decorative facade indeed! Was the interior also lavish?
We didn’t go inside and just sat in the courtyard where people were praying as well. It didn’t look open to the public outside of daily prayers.
its “mizgauty gawra” means “Great Mosque”
i suggest you go to “Ali Kamal Mosque” when u come back to Sulaymaniyah its more artistically designed, located in east Sulaymaniyah (+35° 34′ 1.79″, +45° 27′ 24.79″)..
nice shot by the way, perfect corner u found..
Thanks for the translation and recommendation Awder 🙂