31 July 2024: The Masjid Bab al Salam in Muscat has earned a spot on Time magazine’s prestigious 2024 World’s Greatest Places list, reported the Muscat Daily. This recognition highlights the mosque’s seamless blend of tradition and innovation, creating an architectural marvel that combines spirituality, sustainability, and grandeur.
The Omani design firm Altqadum, which conceptualized the mosque, praised its harmonious fusion of historical and contemporary elements. The firm described Masjid Bab al Salam as an embodiment of minimalist wonder, with blush-colored circular structures bathed in natural light, creating a serene environment that invites introspection.
To compile the 2024 list, Time sought nominations from its international network of correspondents and contributors, focusing on places that offer new and exciting experiences. This year’s list includes 100 extraordinary destinations, ranging from hotels and restaurants to museums and parks.
Time magazine highlighted the mosque’s unique design, stating, “For years, the Middle East’s cutting-edge skyscrapers have stood side by side with opulent mosques rooted in classical Islamic architecture. Recently, a wave of contemporary houses of worship has emerged on Gulf city skylines, paying tribute to traditional design in unexpected ways.”
The mosque features a tranquil complex, with an arc of water embracing the central building and a delicate crescent etched into the freestanding conical minaret. Inside, a dome adorned with over 1,600 crystal bulbs forms a stunning chandelier over the main prayer hall. In a modern twist, a slender floor-to-ceiling window replaces the traditional mihrab, directing congregants towards Makkah.
Altqadum explained that the design journey for the mosque transcended conventional boundaries. The project aimed to merge the spiritual realm with Omani heritage, creating a design that resonates with both historical simplicity and contemporary functionality.
This recognition from Time magazine underscores the Masjid Bab al Salam’s significance as a symbol of architectural excellence and cultural heritage, marking it as a must-visit destination for 2024.
