Mosque
London’s Central Mosque overlooks Regent’s Park in the heart of the city. It has a copper dome – now a little tarnished – and a concrete minaret. The building is modern and functional, but its principal prayer room dazzles with riches.
I visited just in time for Friday lunchtime prayers, one of the most important gatherings of the week. The faithful were thronging to the mosque. I held back and just watched.
The ceremonials are fairly brief, followed by congregating and socialising in the large courtyard. I went in, removed my shoes and marvelled at the opulent gold chandelier beneath a dome decorated with inscriptions and intricate patterns.
Many men remained there, some quietly chatting, others in their own acts of worship. One studied the Qur’an on his iPad. I seemed at ease to quietly take photographs of this place – perhaps my own religion. The faithful were not photographed, that felt like an invasion of their space.
Any unease I felt about being here then melted away. A man approached me, offered me his tray of dates and said: “Welcome to mosque.”
What a touching gesture to cap a memorable visit.
Click first image for full gallery experience
mikeosbornphoto 
Beautiful interior ornamentation! Great shot Mike!
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Thank you very much, Maria!
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Images that reflect the beauty found in religious architecture and the thought of us all being at peace with each other under one roof, a moment to really share. Thanks Mike
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Much appreciated, James. As I said to Richard, the words were for once more important than the images here – it was a story that my camera couldn’t tell. Taking photos or studying the Qur’an were equally acceptable if you believed in them.
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Gorgeous!
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Thank you very much, Linda :-)
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This is so interesting but of course only men can go there so its good to see what’s on the inside
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Thanks Diana. There was a separate entrance for the women so they may have been in another room for prayers. Non-Muslims (including females) are often allowed in as visitors, so there’s hope yet!
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Beautiful photos and a nice story to go with it!
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Thank you Koos! Yes, I was a little nervous but there was no need to be at all.
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If you like mosques, you have to go to Istanbul. I’ve been there once and it’s really overwhelming! (http://cosblog.org/2010/09/18/1770/)
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Istanbul is definitely the place for that! I’d also recommend Casablanca (the first three of this set) https://mikeosbornphoto.com/2012/07/08/moroccan-journey/
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Great set of photos! Morocco is on my wish list!
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Thanks Koos :-) It’s a wonderful place and your camera will like it even more!
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Nice images, Mike! A great building and some interesting interior shots. :)
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Thanks Richard! Actually, the words are in some ways more significant than the photographs for once…
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Definitely. Your unease being washed away by a simple gesture says so much and the attendants’ faith sitting in parallel to your own. :)
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I was a little worried, but that was unfounded. We were all making our own uses of the space, I suppose!
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