Grand mosque

January 24, 2016January 11, 2020 / mikeosbornphoto / 27 Comments

This magnificent building was my main incentive for taking a trip to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Situated on a huge site to the north of the country’s capital, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque can accommodate 41,000 worshippers and is an opulent feat of architecture, completed in 2007.

But my visit, under the piercing blue of an Arabian Gulf sky, was less about religious observance as tourists from all over the world flocked to see this impressive complex. It’s a myriad of pillars, windows, arches and domes, while the interior is studded with gems and cut glass.

With tourists come phones, selfie sticks and iPads in a building where photography is thankfully allowed. It feels almost impossible to take an original image. But with this wealth of lines, symmetry, colour and majesty, you just have to go with your instinct and capture what enthralls your own eye.

This isn’t the end of the story with the mosque. There is even more to come…

Click first image to view the gallery

Mosque

December 8, 2013 / mikeosbornphoto / 18 Comments

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

A taste of Oman

May 22, 2012February 24, 2021 / mikeosbornphoto / 1 Comment

Oman is a quiet corner of the Arabian peninsula. It’s nothing like brash neighbour Dubai, with its opulent high rise buildings and hotels dripping in gold. Its conservative rulers have developed the country at a quieter pace, and it feels more traditional.

The capital Muscat enthrals with its souk, fish market and vast new mosque, while the arid landscape is studded with mud-baked towns, forts and minarets. But visit the coast and you will find a crystal blue sea and the chance to relax in style.

Here are just a few shots from my visit to whet your appetite. Click first image to see gallery