Erbil Grand Mosque: 10 Things to Do in Iraq’s Ancient City
Erbil, Iraq is an ancient city that is home to a wide variety of historical and cultural attractions. One of the most popular attractions in Erbil is the Grand Mosque, which is located in the center of the city. This grand structure is a symbol of the city and a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Here are 10 things to do when visiting the Erbil Grand Mosque.
1. Explore the Mosque’s Interior: The interior of the Erbil Grand Mosque is a sight to behold. The mosque is decorated with intricate Islamic designs and features a large central dome. The mosque also has several smaller domes, which are painted with beautiful Islamic calligraphy. Visitors can explore the interior of the mosque and take in its beauty.
2. Visit the Mosque’s Courtyard: The courtyard of the Erbil Grand Mosque is a great place to explore. The courtyard is surrounded by a wall and features a large fountain in the center. Visitors can sit in the courtyard and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
3. Take a Tour of the Mosque: Erbil Grand Mosque offers guided tours of the mosque and its grounds. During the tour, visitors will learn about the history of the mosque and its importance to Erbil. The tour also includes a visit to the mosque’s library, which contains a variety of Islamic books and manuscripts.
4. Attend a Prayer Service: The Erbil Grand Mosque is a popular destination for Muslims who wish to attend a prayer service. The mosque offers a variety of services, including Friday prayer, which is the most important prayer of the week. Visitors can attend the service and join in the communal prayer.
5. Shop for Souvenirs: The Erbil Grand Mosque has a souvenir shop where visitors can purchase a variety of items. The shop sells traditional Islamic clothing and handicrafts, as well as souvenirs such as prayer beads and prayer rugs.
6. Learn About Islamic Art: The Erbil Grand Mosque is home to a number of Islamic artworks. Visitors can explore the mosque’s art gallery and learn about the various styles of Islamic art.
7. Take a Picture: The Erbil Grand Mosque is a popular destination for photographers. Visitors can take pictures of the mosque’s stunning architecture and its surrounding landscape.
8. Enjoy a Meal at the Mosque: The Erbil Grand Mosque has a restaurant where visitors can enjoy a meal. The restaurant serves traditional Iraqi dishes, as well as a variety of international cuisine.
9. Visit the Mosque’s Library: The Erbil Grand Mosque has a library where visitors can explore a variety of Islamic books and manuscripts. The library also contains a number of rare and valuable books.
10. Explore the Surrounding Area: The Erbil Grand Mosque is located in the center of Erbil, Iraq. Visitors can explore the city’s other attractions, such as its ancient ruins and its bustling markets.
The Erbil Grand Mosque is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Visitors can explore the mosque’s interior, take a tour, attend a prayer service, shop for souvenirs, learn about Islamic art, take pictures, enjoy a meal, visit the mosque’s library, and explore the surrounding area. Erbil is an ancient city that is full of history and culture, and the Erbil Grand Mosque is a great place to experience it all.