Guess the Mosque

C’mon, guess where this elegant mosque is from?


Looks like it came right out of Central Asia, doesn’t it? Or Iran? Uzbekistan is a likely guess…


Just look at the entrance portal! With its exquisite ‘muqarnas’ (those beehive-like formations on the inner side of the arch)


Except that the weather looks too sunny and green. Look at those flowering trees! Wonder what they are?


Heck, the wooden pillars look exactly like the ones we’ve seen in Uzbek mosques or Iranian palaces!


But, it’s too new and shiny, not like the medieval structures we typically see in Uzbekistan or Iran


And look at that gorgeous interior!

Give up already??


It’s actually a mosque much nearer to home! Across the Gulf of Oman from Iran. It’s the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Sohar, Oman

Oman is one of our favourite destinations on short holidays! It’s full of majestic mountains, mysterious gorges, beautiful wadis where you can swim in, astounding castles and mosques, quaint little villages where local tradition is still very much alive, and locals who are friendly, unpretentious and honest, not the type of people who would make a quick buck out of you!

And that’s why from 2022, we’ve travelled to Oman every year, and this year was no exception. We’ve visited the Sohar Mosque twice now, en route to our destination, the first time last year, and the second time, just a couple of weeks ago, during the ‘short’ Eid holidays. Here’re the rest of the photos of the mosque. Go, see Oman for yourself if you can!


Anu, at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Sohar, Oman – Apr 2024


Anu again, Sohar, Oman – Mar 2025


Jayden and Papa, Mar 2025 – Too bad, Koko isn’t around. Justin has never visited this mosque. It’s because, we usually do Oman trips on short trips when there’s a longer weekend in the UAE. Maybe next time, when Justin completes his studies, the kids could go on their own! The last time Justin visited this side of Oman was in 2013, when Jayden wasn't even born!


The central chandelier of the mosque


That’s all for now folks! Signing out, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Sohar, Oman, Mar 2025