مسجد الكورنيش, Waterfront mosque in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
The Corniche Mosque sits on a coral reef formation by the Red Sea, distinguished by a prominent minaret with a square base and octagonal column rising above it. The structure includes a prayer hall with a mihrab set into the eastern wall, circular windows, and contemporary facilities such as lecture halls and a library.
The structure was designed by architect Abdul Wahid Al-Wakil and received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1989 for its structural excellence. This project marked a significant moment in modern Islamic architecture of the Middle East, setting standards for religious buildings in coastal regions.
The mosque reflects local Islamic architecture traditions while incorporating contemporary design elements visible to visitors. The interior space demonstrates how traditional prayer hall layouts blend with modern materials and craftsmanship.
The building accommodates around 2000 visitors and provides modern facilities, lecture halls, and a library with direct access from the Jeddah Corniche waterfront. The location sits right at the water's edge, making it easily approachable from the waterfront promenade for both tourists and locals.
At high tide the building appears to float above the Red Sea waters, with its bronzed dome reflecting sunlight across the waterfront. This visual effect results from its clever placement on the coral reef and creates different impressions depending on the time of day visitors arrive.
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