The 'Leaning Mosque' in Qatar: An Architectural Curiosity
There is a unique sight in Qatar that has been catching the attention of online users and sparking curiosity on social media. It is the mosque located within the Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum in Al Shahaniya City.
Videos of the mosque crooked architecture and sloping minaret have been widely shared, leaving people bemused. The design of the mosque is considered to be one of the most distinctive architectural styles for a place of worship.
The creative mind behind this unusual mosque is Sheikh Faisal himself, as stated by the museum information center. Standing at a height of 27 meters, the mosque has a noticeable 20-degree inclination. To ensure its stability, it has a 2.5-meter depth raft footing supported by eight piles firmly rooted in the ground, as confirmed by visitors to the mosque.
Additionally, the mosque is equipped with 30 concrete stress and strain sensors, allowing for easy detection of any potential damage. Its walls are made of stone and adorned with colorful glass windows, adding to its unique charm.
It is worth mentioning that Qatar is home to more than 2,000 mosques, which serve as important symbols of the country religious and cultural identity. These mosques are spread across various regions of the Gulf state.
According to the Pew Research Centre, around 65% of Qatar population follows Islam, while approximately 13.7% are Christians and about 16% are Hindus.
The Qatari government allocates a significant budget for the upkeep of its mosques. An official from the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs revealed that the nation spends 40 million QAR annually to maintain the cleanliness of its mosques. Additionally, an extra 1.5 million QAR is dedicated to mosque furnishings.
To ensure the cleanliness of the mosques, 756 workers are employed throughout the country, with 42 field observers overseeing the cleaning companies' operations. This commitment to mosque maintenance reflects the country dedication to its religious infrastructure.
The 'leaning mosque' stands out among Qatar diverse array of architectural wonders and serves as a testament to the country commitment to preserving its religious heritage.
