Qatar Mosque

The new Qatar Mosque at Rawabi rises from the Palestinian hills, a beautiful addition to a rich architectural heritage combining contemporary and traditional elements. Constructed from golden-hued limestone, the mosque is illuminated each day by the rays of the setting sun.

The mosque is one of the largest in Palestine, designed by architects and engineers from the State of Qatar, reflecting aspects of both Islamic and historical civilizations. The minaret stands at a height of 45 meters and is separate from the main structure, consistent with architecture common to the Umayyad period. The minaret’s stone walls are inscribed with Islamic calligraphy, an aesthetic design feature also characteristic of the Umayyad dynasty.

The limestone used to build the mosque was quarried from the Rawabi hills and honed by expert Palestinian stonemasons. Engravings of Quranic verses on the interior and exterior faces of the mosque as well as on the minaret combine to create the appearance of a painting. 

The main entrance is comprised of three blue doors with gold accents, featuring the carved wood artistry of Moroccan “zowaka” or “zouk”. This style of wood art is specific to Marrakesh and is an integral part of the Tétouan artisanal tradition. The mosque foyer is graced with 70 square meters of intricate mosaic reminiscent of the Byzantine era, designed and executed by two renowned Palestinian artists.

Built to accommodate more than 3,000 worshippers, the mosque two main prayer halls, one for men and one for women, an outer courtyard, and a children’s area. The complex also includes a library, a multi-purpose lecture hall, administrative offices and dedicated parking areas conveniently positioned between the mosque and the commercial center. 

The inner courtyard creates an easy flow between the mosque’s exterior and interior, with abundant natural lighting from the courtyard’s 30-panel glass dome, as well as from large windows overlooking the hills and valleys just outside the mosque’s walls. A large three-ring chandelier graces the mosque’s ceiling, the light from which combines with the glow of cheerful lamps to illuminate the inscriptions all around. 

Directly under the chandelier, the traditional star of Islam is centered upon the red prayer carpet, handloomed of Turkish wool. The ceiling is adorned with decorative beams and panels, all inscribed with Islamic calligraphy. 

The imam leads the faithful in prayer from a luminous marble mihrab standing more than nine meters high, creating an aura of reverence and spirituality. 

The area designated for ablutions features a skylight and windows to create a sense of openness and elegance. A global sound system broadcasts the call to prayer and the entire structure features echo-mitigating insulation to ensure a prayerful atmosphere without distraction.