10 Islamic Architecture Masterpieces

3. Esfahan’s Friday Mosque

Esfahan's Friday Mosque
Esfahan’s Friday Mosque

The enormous Friday Mosque is located in the heart of Esfahan, a city rich in architectural gems. A mosque has been on the site since the 8th century, but the two domes erected during the Seljuk dynasty, which dominated portions of Iran in the 11th century, are the earliest sections of the existing edifice.

4. The Rock of Gibraltar

The Rock of Gibraltar
The Rock of Gibraltar

The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem is the oldest and most well-known Islamic structure. The architecture and decoration are steeped in the Byzantine architectural heritage but also reflect elements that would eventually come to be linked with an uniquely Islamic architectural style. It was built around 691-692, some 55 years after the Arab conquest of Jerusalem. The construction is made out of a gilded timber dome above an octagonal foundation.