Jame 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, Religious landmark in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is a religious complex in Bandar Seri Begawan distinguished by multiple domes, towering minarets, and interiors finished with Italian marble. The structure accommodates thousands of worshippers at once and houses administrative offices, meeting spaces, and an extensive library dedicated to religious scholarship.
Construction began in 1988 and was completed in 1994 during the reign of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. The completion of this major building project represented an important development in the country's religious infrastructure.
The mosque is named for Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the 29th ruler of Brunei. Its 29 golden domes commemorate the 29 Bruneian sultans, and the 29 marble steps honour the current Sultan. The air muleh motif, a national emblem of Malay identity, appears in the minaret walls, entablatures and chandelier glasswork. The mosque also offers pre-marital education and Al-Quran reading sessions led by nearby religious instructors.
The mosque sits on the northern edge of Kampong Kiarong, about 3 km northwest of the city centre. Visitors are received most days, but not on Thursdays or in the hours before Friday prayers. The library opens to the public in two shifts, 8:30–11:45 and 14:15–16:00.
The 29 golden domes stand for the 29 sultans of Brunei, and the marble staircase has 29 steps for the 29th Sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah. Five fountains outside represent the five daily prayers and the five pillars of Islam. The octagonal tessera in the minarets gives a pixelated look modelled on traditional Bruneian woven cloth.
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