Even though the Middle East is typically seen as the heart of Islam in the world, only about 20 percent of the religion's 1.6 billion adherents actually live within the region. So, it comes as no surprise that there are many mosques in countries outside of the Middle East. They often vary greatly in architectural styles, incorporating unique cultural and contemporary design elements. Here are 27 of the most amazing mosques from around the world.
1. Moscow Cathedral Mosque, Russia
The Moscow Cathedral Mosque was reconstructed and recently inaugurated in September 2015.
2. Asfi Mosque, India
The Asfi Mosque is part of the Bara Imambara complex in Lucknow. The complex was built in 1784.
3. Chota Imambara Mosque, India
Located in Lucknow, the complex was constructed in 1838.
4. Grand Mosque of Makhachkala, Russia
Completed and consecrated in 1998, it is the main mosque of the Republic of Dagestan.
5. National Mosque of Malaysia, Malaysia
Built in 1965, the mosque stands in Kuala Lumpur.
6. Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque, Malaysia
Situated in Shah Alam, construction on the mosque was completed in 1988.
7. Masjid al-Dahab, Philippines
Built in 1976, the mosque is located in Manila.
8. El Centro Mohammed VI para el Diálogo de las Civilizaciones, Chile
Inaugurated in 2007, this picturesque mosque is situated in Coquimbo.
9. Masjid Permata Qolbu, Indonesia
Opening its doors in 2013. this futuristic mosque stands in Jakarta.
10. Putra Mosque, Malaysia
Located in Putrajaya, this beautiful mosque was completed in 1999.
11. Islamic Cultural Center of America, United States
Located in Dearborn, Michigan, the mosque was completed in 2005.
12. Juma Masjid Mosque, South Africa
Construction was completed in the 1930s, and the mosque is located in Durban, Kwazulu-Natal.
13. Grand Mosque of Paris, France
The mosque was founded in Paris in 1926.
14. Grand Mosque of Granada, Spain
Inaugurated in 2003, the mosque was the first to be built in Granada since 1492.
15. Central Mosque of Patani, Thailand
Built in 1954, the mosque is located in Amphoe Mueang.
16. Devatagaha Mosque, Sri Lanka
Situated in Colombo, the mosque was constructed in 1820.
17. World Islamic Mission Mosque, Norway
Opened in 1995, the mosque stand in Åkebergveien, Oslo.
18. Jamia Mosque, Kenya
Completed in 1906, the mosque is situated in Nairobi.
19.Qolşärif Mosque, Russia
Rebuilt in 1996, the mosque is located in Kazan.
20. Malmö Mosque, Sweden
Situated in Husie, Malmö, the mosque was inaugurated in 1984.
21. Masjid Omar Mosque, Brunei
The mosque stands in Bandar Seri Begawan and was completed in 1958.
22. Baitul Futuh Mosque, United Kingdom
Situated in Morden, London, the mosque opened its doors in 2003.
23. Grand Mosque of Évry, France
The mosque opened in Évry , Paris in 1995.
24. Id Kah Mosque, China
Built in 1442 while incorporating existing structures dating back to 996, the mosque still stands in Kashgar, Xinjiang.
25. Mosque of Rome, Italy
The mosque is situated in Parioli, Rome and was completed in 1994.
26. Santo Amaro Mosque, Brazil
Inaugurated in 1983, the mosque is located in Parana near the famous Iguazu Falls.
27. Islamic Cultural Center of New York, United States
Open since 1991, the mosque is situated in Manhattan.