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+++ author = "Alan Orth" date = "2016-10-11T12:06:06+03:00" title = "Sheikh Zayed Mosque: the Pearl of Aqaba" images = ["/2016/10/DSC_0024.JPG"] slug = "sheikh-zayed-mosque-pearl-aqaba" description = "The pearl of Aqaba is an elegant white mosque by the sea." categories = ["Architecture"] tags = ["Mosque", "Aqaba"] +++
{{< figure src="/2016/10/DSC_0024.JPG" title="Beautiful mosque by the sea, surrounded by palm trees" alt="Beautiful mosque by the sea, surrounded by palm trees" >}}
The best way to describe the Sheikh Zayed mosque would be "the pearl of Aqaba." There is a lot to love about this picturesque mosque by the Jordanian seaside, but its crown jewel — to continue the analogy — is the impeccable Arabic calligraphy inlaid in its façade. Sadly, Aqaba itself [isn't much to write home about]({{< ref "aqaba-dirty-disappointing.md" >}}).
Originally built in 1975, the mosque was refurbished in 2010 as part of a larger effort to revitalize the Red Sea port city and was modeled after the Sheikh Zayed Grand mosque in Abu Dhabi.