Description of the attraction
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The Negara Mosque in translation means the national mosque. In a country where over 60 percent of the population is Muslim, it is in fact the main spiritual center. Tourists are interested in the mosque, first of all, for its unusual architecture and original design. This national symbol of Islam is located near the beautiful building of the old railway station.
The plan to create a mosque-symbol emerged in 1957 - immediately after Malaysia gained independence. They wanted to name it in honor of the statesman, thanks to whose efforts the country was liberated from the British protectorate without bloodshed. In the first government of an independent state, he became prime minister. But, at his suggestion, the mosque was named National. Its construction was completed in 1965.
The unique project of the mosque complex is a joint brainchild of Malaysian architects Hisham Albakri and Baharuddin Kassim, they also involved British architect Howard Ashley in the work. The intricate forms of the mosque intertwined styles of traditional Islamic architecture and modern motives. The original ribbed roof of the building resembles a half-open umbrella in its shape. In the original version, the roof was tiled with pink tiles, in further reconstruction it was replaced with blue-green, more in line with Muslim colors. The minaret, despite its height of 73 meters, looks like an elegant architectural detail of the urban landscape. The most impressive part of the mosque is the main hall, richly decorated, decorated with massive lamps and beautiful stained-glass windows. Its capacity is over eight thousand people; on Fridays, a larger number of believers enter. The mosque is surrounded by gardens with fountains in white marble pools.
Until 1965, the function of the main mosque was performed by Masjid Jamek, it still operates today, located not far from Merdeka Square. It is prohibited for non-Muslims to enter it, you can only inspect the territory. The national mosque, which embodies the modern expression of traditional religion, is open to tourists. Of course, at certain times and in appropriate clothing. In any case, everyone can get acquainted with this magnificent example of Malaysian art.
