Collection Inspiration: Mosques

This year, from March 22 to April 20, Muslims around the globe are observing Ramadan, the ninth month on the Islamic calendar. Observing the annual commemoration of the first revelation of the Prophet Muhammad is one of the five pillars of Islam, with Muslims adhering to strict fasting from sunrise to sunset. For Collection Inspiration falling during these four weeks, we look at banknotes that feature historic mosques, a focal point of Islamic culture.

Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Arabia, Monetary Authority 2017 500 Riyals note features the most important mosque in Islam: the Masjid al-Haram. Also known as "The Great Mosque of Mecca," the structure in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is the largest mosque in the world, spanning 88 acres and having a capacity that can hold upward of 2.5 million people. Originally built from AD 634 to 644, the mosque contains the holiest structure in all of Islam, the Kaaba (seen on the front of the banknote). Meaning "cube" in Arabic, the Kaaba is at the heart of the mandatory Islamic pilgrimage known as the hajj. The Kaaba sits in the center as the focal point of the front's background.

Pakistan

While many mosques may date back hundreds of years, Pakistan's national mosque began construction in 1976, making it relatively new compared to many. The Faisal Mosque, which is the fifth-largest mosque in the world, is prominently featured on the back of the Pakistan, State Bank 2021 5,000 Rupees note. Located in Pakistan's capital city of Islamabad, the Faisal Mosque was funded by and named after King Faisal of Saudi Arabia following an international competition that led to its unique design. The contemporary design does not include a typical mosque dome, instead opting for an eight-sided concrete structure that resembles a Bedouin tent, which can hold up to 10,000 people.

Indonesia

An Indonesia, Bank Indonesia 1986 5,000 Rupiah note depicts the Menara Kudus Mosque, or Al-Aqsha Mosque, on its back. Dating to 1549, this mosque in the province of Central Java is among the oldest in Indonesia. The tomb of Sunan Kudus, one of the nine Islamic saints of Java, is preserved in the mosque, which is a popular pilgrimage destination for Muslims. The mosque stands out since it is a pre-Islamic structure, with a three-tiered pyramidal roof that took inspiration from ancient Hindu-Buddhist architecture.

Morocco

The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco, is the largest functioning mosque in all of Africa. And it is featured on the back of the Morocco, Bank Al-Maghrib 2012 20 Dirhams note. The popular African mosque is the seventh largest across the globe, with its 689-foot minaret (a tower built into or adjacent to mosques) being the second tallest in the world. The Moroccan mosque was completed in 1997, and features hand-crafted marble and a retractable roof. It has a maximum capacity of 105,000 worshippers. Additionally, atop the 60-story minaret sits a laser that continually points a light towards Mecca.

Singapore

The Singapore 2007 20 Dollars note celebrates the economic cooperation between Singapore and one of its neighbors to the east, Brunei. The note features two images on the back: a modern view of skyscrapers in Singapore on the left, and the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Brunei on the right. Established in 1958, the mosque is one of the largest and oldest in Brunei, as the site is symbolic of the Islamic religion and Muslims in the country. The structure of the mosque is inspired by Mughal architecture, which was created by Mughals hundreds of years ago and is a type of Indo-Islamic architecture. With its pointed dome, the most famous example of this style of architecture is India's Taj Mahal. The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque's dome is covered in gold and the structure itself can accommodate up to 3,000 worshippers.

Turkey

One of the most historically important mosques in the world is in Istanbul, Turkey: the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque. The Ottoman-era mosque dominates the back of the Turkey, Central Bank 1930 (ND 1959) 500 Lirasi note. The structure, built between 1609 and 1616, gets its nickname from its hand-painted blue tiles. The mosque sits next to Istanbul's iconic Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, seen in the background and to the left of the Blue Mosque on the back of the note.

Jordan

The Jordan, Central Bank 2020 20 Dinars note depicts another historically important mosque that lies in the heart of the Old City of Jerusalem. The Dome of the Rock, also known to Muslims as the Haram al-Sharif or Al-Aqsa, was built between 688 and 692. The mosque has an octagonal design and that was built over the Foundation Stone, which holds great significance to Abrahamic religions. The octagonal structure is topped with a dome and the interior is lavishly decorated.

Iran

In Iran, Muslims still worship in the 14th century congregational mosque, Jameh Mosque of Yazd. The structure is a perfect example of the Azari style of Persian architecture. A pair of 170-foot minarets flank the entrance and are adorned with tile work from top to bottom. One of the mosque's other standout features is its square shape, which mirrors that of the Kaaba in Mecca, one of the most prominent examples of Islamic architecture. An image of the Jameh Mosque of Yazd is included on the front of the Iran, Bank Markazi ND (1982) 200 Rials note.

Malaysia

The back of a Malaysia, Bank of Negara ND (1983-84) 100 Ringgit note shows another modern mosque. Located in Kuala Lumpur, the National Mosque of Malaysia features two key components: a 240-foot minaret and a roof with a 16-point star design that resembles an umbrella. The mosque, which was completed in 1965, also features numerous fountains and reflecting pools throughout the compound. Following the country's independence from the British government in August 1957, the structure was one of many new initiatives that were implemented. The national mosque served as a symbol of the country's newfound independence.

Afghanistan

Another ancient mosque lies in Herat, Afghanistan, and dates to A.D. 1200. The Great Mosque of Herat, also known as Jami Masjid of Herat, was the city's first congregational mosque, primarily used for Friday services. Further, the structure was built on a historical site that had already contained religious structures for many previous centuries. Ghurid rulers originally built the Great Mosque, but several other empires and their rulers oversaw the structure and its renovations throughout history, including the Mongolian forces of Genghis Khan. The front of the Afghanistan/Democratic Republic ND (1993) 10,000 Afghanis note features the entrance of the Great Mosque of Herat.

If these notes featuring mosques from around the world inspired you, check out our other Collection Inspiration columns for more collecting ideas, including other historic structures such as castles, churches and palaces. Also, be sure to follow PMG on Facebook, PMG on Instagram and PMG on Twitter for articles and interesting notes posted daily.