Masjid Al-Dahab (or the Manila Golden Mosque and Cultural Center; Filipino: Gintong Masjid) is situated in the predominantly Muslim section of the Quiapo district in Manila, Philippines, and is considered the largest mosque in Metro Manila.

Masjid Al-Dahab
Manila Golden Mosque and Cultural Center
Gintong Masjid
The Golden Mosque in 2015
Religion
AffiliationIslam
Location
LocationManila, Philippines
Geographic coordinates14°35′44.5″N 120°59′6.5″E / 14.595694°N 120.985139°E / 14.595694; 120.985139
Architecture
TypeMosque
Completed1976
Specifications
Capacity22000
Dome(s)1
Minaret(s)1

Background edit

 
Worshipers at the mosque

The Golden Mosque acquired its name for its gold-painted dome as well as for its location in Globo de Oro Street. Under the supervision of Philippine's then-First Lady Imelda Marcos, construction began on August 4, 1976, for the visit of Libya President Muammar al-Gaddafi, although his visit was cancelled. It was funded through foreign donations, notably from Libya and Saudi Arabia.[1][2] It now serves many in Manila's Muslim community and is especially full during Jumuah prayers on a Friday. The mosque can accommodate up to 22,000 worshippers.[3]

The mosque incorporates a mixture of foreign and local influences. Its dome and erstwhile minaret are patterned after Middle Eastern structures whereas its geometric designs borrow much from the colors and variations of ethnic Maranao, Maguindanao, and Tausug art. The curved lines are based on the serpent motifs in Maranao art.[3] The mosque used to exhibit stained glass panels by artist Antonio Dumlao.[4] The glass panels are now at the Far Eastern University.

According to the mosque administrators, the minaret was torn down due to problems in structural integrity at the time of then-Mayor Lito Atienza. There were already plans to rebuild the minaret as donations from all over the world are pouring in to reach the target of 12 million. The measurement of its dome is 12 meters (39 ft) in diameter and 10 meters (33 ft) in height.

Transportation edit

The mosque is accessible within walking distance south east of Carriedo Station of Manila LRT Line 1. It is also accessible to jeepneys, buses, and UV Express plying the Quezon Boulevard, Rizal Avenue, and Carlos Palanca Sr. Street (Echague) routes.

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Philippines Terrorism: The Role of Militant Islamic Converts (PDF) (Report). International Crisis Group. December 19, 2005. p. 3. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
  2. ^ Ariff, Mohamed (1991). The Islamic Voluntary Sector in Southeast Asia: Islam and the Economic Development of Southeast Asia. Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. p. 172. ISBN 9789813016071.
  3. ^ a b Angeles, Vivienne (2009). "Constructing Identity: Visual Expressions of Islam in the Predominantly Catholic Philippines". Identity in Crossroad Civilisations: Ethnicity, Nationalism and Globalism in Asia. Amsterdam University Press: 195–218. ISBN 9789089641274.
  4. ^ Rodell, Paul (2002). Culture and Customs of the Philippines. Greenwood Publishing Group. ISBN 9780313304156.

External links edit