In awe with Taj Mahal

 22 replicas of notable mosques and Islamic tombs around the world are here in Taman Tamadun Islam (Islamic Civilisation Park, or Islamic Monument Park), Pulau Wan Man.

Masjid Negara (National Mosque)

From our very own Masjid Negara (National Mosque) to the majestic Suleyman Mosque in Turkey, each of the replica design is so realistic and full of history that one just can’t help but to gawk in amazement of such artistic and colourful background.

Pattani Central Mosque, Thailand

Kubbah As-Sakhrah in Jerussalem

Islam started off initially as a small community deep in the heart of the Arabian Desert. It is a religion destined to influence the world with its civilisation. From the valleys of the Arabian Desert, the spark of Islamic civilisation has spread throughout all major continents of the world within half the century of the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) death.

The message of Islam went forth with an electrifying speed from Africa to Europe and from India to China, evolving into a series of great civilisation. Forming a complex community of diverse ethnic background and united by a common faith, underpinned by a global network of thousands of mosques.

Taman Tamadun Islam (TTI) Monument Park thus compiles the best of Islamic architecture and grand structure around the world, and the list is growing. Among the featured ones are:

National Mosque (Masjid Negara), Malaysia

A tribute to Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, National Mosque or Masjid Negara was built in 1965. Its main roof is a reminiscent of an open Royal Parasol and the minaret’s cap resembles a folded one.

Kudus Minar, Central Java, Indonesia

Built in 1549 by Sunan Kudus (Ja’far Shodiq), its unique feature is the harmonisation of Hindu-Javanese style with an Islamic function, epitomised in its tower resembling a Chandi, typically found in Hindu temples.

Pattani Central Mosque, Thailand

Resembling the Taj Mahal in India, Pattani Central Mosque was built in 1954 during the administration of Field Marshal Sarit. It acts as a focal point of Thai Muslims and a centre for religious ceremonies.

Room for a preview of the mosques' background

Inside the Masjid Negara's Exhibition Room

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin, Brunei Darussalam

Built in 1958 in Bandar Seri Begawan and named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei, this mosque was designed by an Italian architect. Its golden-domed structure is the tallest building in the city.

Taj Mahal, Agra, India

The fifth Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built Taj Mahal in loving memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, as a symbol of his eternal love for her.

Badshahi Mosque, Lahore, Pakistan

Once the largest mosque in the world with a capacity of 65,000 Muslims, this mosque was built in 1673 AD. by Mughal emperor Auranzeb Alamgir.

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin, Brunei

Inside the Kubbah As-Sakhrah

Kubbah As-Sakhrah, Jerusalem

Built in 692CE under the patronage of the Umayyad Caliph Abdul al-Malik ibn Marwan, it enshrines the Sacred Rock and commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s ascending to the heavens to visit God.

Great Mosque of Samarra, Iraq

Commissioned by Abbasid caliph Al-Mutawakkil in the 9th century and built entirely of bricks and clay, today it stands majestically in the largest ancient city in the world just north of Baghdad.

Sheikh Lutfallah Mosque, Iran

An outstanding example of Islamic architecture and once used as a royal mosque, it was built in the 17th century by Sheikh Lutfallah Maisi Al-Amili, a distinguished scholar and teacher.

Abu Nasr Parsa, Afghanistan

Built in the 17th century in Timurid style, the shrine in this octagonal structure is dedicated to an eminent theologian, Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa who was a spiritual leader of the Naqshbandi order.

Al-Haram Mosque (Masjid Al-Haram), Mecca, Saudi Arabia

This mosque houses the holiest place in the world for all Muslims, the Ka’bah. In Arabic, Ka’bah means ‘a high place with respect and prestige’ and Muslims all over the world face the Ka’bah during prayers.

AleppoCitadel, Syria

Estimated to have been built during the 10th Century BC, it became a citadel under the Seleucids. Saladin’s son, Ghazi had used it both as a residence and fortress.

Mosque of Mohamed Ali, Egypt

Also known as the Alabaster Mosque owing to the extensive use of this fine material, this mosque was built by Mohammed Ali whose reign is known as the beginning of the Egyptian renaissance.

Nabawi Mosque (Masjid Nabawii), Madinah, Saudi Arabia

Madinah, in full is Madinat Rasul Allah which means ‘City of the Prophet of Allah’ and is the second holiest site in Islam. This mosque was built on the site of Nabi Muhammad’s (pbuh) home and where he was also buried.

Suleyman Mosque, Turkey

Kalyan Minaret, Uzbekistan

Suleyman Mosque, Turkey

This mosque was built in 1557, during the 46 year reign of Suleyman of the Ottoman Empire. It housed infirmaries, a medical school, a hospital, shops, cells and arms-houses.

Great Mosque of Qairawan, Tunisia

Built in 670 by Uqba ibn Nafi, this is the oldest Islamic monument in Tunisia with the oldest dated minaret. Today, having been rebuilt three times, this mosque symbolises equality in Qairawan.

The Palace of Al-Hambra

Al-Hambra(or Red Castle) is an ancient palace and fortress complex built between 1238-1354, in the reigns of Mohammed bin Ahmar, the first Nasrid Kings Francis.

Kalyan Minaret, Uzbekistan

Built in 1127 AD by Arslan-Khan, the minaret, made of baked bricks, is a flawless example of both civil engineering and superior architectural creation.

Great Mosque of Agadez, Niger

Built in the sixteenth century when the city was at its height, this mosque is made of dried earth and is topped by a pyramid-shaped minaret spiked with 13 rows of stakes to strengthen the structure.

Kul Sharif Mosque, Kazan, Russia

Once left in ruins, the reconstruction of this mosque following the collapse of the Soviet Union is reflective of Kazan’s 1000-year long history and its design is reminiscent of the historical surrounding of the Kremlin.

Xian Mosque, China

The mosque was founded in 1392 by naval admiral Haj Cheng Ho during the Tang Dynasty typifies a Buddhist temple. However, its grand axis is aligned from east to west, facing Mecca.

Taman Tamadun Islam

Cruising along the Terengganu River

How to get to the Taman Tamadun Islam:

-          Shuttle Bus, which runs from 6am till 10pm everyday, and costs RM2 to all destinations. The shuttle picks up visitors from Taman Shahbandar at every one hour intervals.

-          Taxi, which takes 15 minutes both from Kuala Terengganu Taxi Station and Sultan Mahmud Airport.

-          Water Taxi, also known as “Penambang” and departs from Jeti Shahbandar.

Operating hours:

-          9am – 7pm during public holidays and weekends.

-          10am – 7pm during weekdays.

-          9am to 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 7pm on Fridays.

Park charges:

-          (For Taman Tamadun Islam) Adults (RM25, RM10 discount for MyKad holders), Senior Citizens (RM15), Children age 7-12 (RM15) and free for children age 6 and below.

-          (For TTI River Cruise) RM10 per seat

-          Paddle Boat  RM10 per boat

-          Canoe  RM10 per canoe

Masjid Kristal (Crystal Mosque)

Besides the 22 replicas, the new icon of Terengganu, Masjid Kristal (Crystal Mosque) is also situated around the area. Cleverly designed, the magnificent mosque is built with steel and crystal effect glass, resonating light from inside and outside.