Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center

Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center (commonly known simply as Bin Zaid, also known previously as Fanar or Qatar Islamic Culture Center and Spiral Mosque)[1] is a cultural organization in Doha, the capital of Qatar. It is located close to Doha Corniche and is a prominent landmark in the city.

Fanar, Qatar Islamic Culture Center

The center's most distinguished feature is its mosque which has a unique minaret design. Prior to 2009, Fanar's mosque was the largest in the country. It has since been over taken in this category by Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque, however, it remains the tallest mosque in Qatar.[1]

The mosque was named after the famous Qatari Islamic scholar and the founder of the Qatari judicial system Sheikh Abdulla bin Zaid Al-Mahmoud. The name was given by the Emir of Qatar to commemorate the memory of his achievements during his tenure as the supreme judge of Qatar.

History
Abdulla bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Centre as seen from Corniche promenade

Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani officially inaugurated the center during a public ceremony held on 12 January 2008.[2]

Activities

Fanar Culture Center is involved in several social, religious and educational activities. In addition to hosting one of the largest mosques in Qatar, the center also publishes religious studies and provides lessons in Arabic and Islam. The center also houses a library.[3] The mosque is a popular tourist attraction and allows entry for non-Muslims.[4]

Mosque architecture

Traditional Qatari mosques were made of coral rock, mud and wood, as opposed to the mosques from the 21st century built of brick and mortar. These materials now allow the construction of high domes, replacing the flat roofs. Moreover, traditional mosques featured courtyards, which are rarely seen in modern mosques. Finally, the traditional outdoor "mothawaddah" in the form of a pool has been replaced with wash basins and running water.

References
  1. "Qatar's Second Largest Mosque Opens for Prayers". Marhaba. 22 June 2014. Retrieved 26 December 2015.
  2. "PM opens Fanar cultural". Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Qatar). 13 January 2008. Archived from the original on 15 January 2008. Retrieved 4 May 2019.
  3. Mohammed Hassan Al-Kuwari; Maryam Khulaifi; Jamila Abdulla Ahmed; Sawsan Al-Haddad (2013). "دليـل المؤسسات الثقافية في قطر (Directory of Cultural Institutions in Qatar)" (PDF) (in Arabic). Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage. p. 28. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-12-22.
  4. Mohammed Hassan Al-Kuwari; Maryam Khulaifi; Jamila Abdulla Ahmed; Sawsan Al-Haddad (2013). "دليـل المؤسسات الثقافية في قطر (Directory of Cultural Institutions in Qatar)" (PDF) (in Arabic). Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage. p. 29. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-12-22.


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