Al Khor Mosque, Muscat

One of the oldest and most stunning mosques in Oman is the Al-Khor Mosque. Its exact date of construction is unknown, but it was formerly known as the Mosque of Martyrs. This is due to the numerous funeral prayers held there for Omanis who lost their lives in the 17th and 18th centuries while defending their country against Portuguese invaders. Al-Khor Mosque is situated near Al-Alam Palace on the palace's seaside.

Today, the mosque's official name is derived from the name of the inland gulfs of water that are created when tidal waves crash against the rocky coast of Muscat. It is also known as the Family Mosque since senior members of the Omani royal family pray there. Al-Khor Mosque has been renovated many times by different Sultans, most recently in 1980 by Sultan Qaboos.

What sets Al-Khor Mosque apart is its extensive use of tinted glass for most of its outer walls, complemented by white marble, blue and brown tiles, and golden scripts of the Holy Quran. During the day, the interior of the mosque showcases the beauty of the tinted glass. The ceiling features Arabic calligraphy of the ninety-nine divine names of Allah, each encrusted in gold over a square tile of blue and white. The centerpiece of the mosque is a minimal crystal chandelier that smoothly descends in the middle of the main prayer hall. Interestingly, the mosque does not have a central upper dome, a common feature in most Omani mosques.

Al-Khor Mosque is a hidden gem in Old Muscat that visitors may overlook. It is located behind Al-Alam Palace and near Al-Mirani Fort. To get to the mosque, you must pass through the old gate going towards the Omani French Museum and continue down the street until you see the mosque on the left side of the road. A visit to Al-Khor Mosque can be a peaceful way to conclude a tour of the area around Al-Alam Palace.