King Abdullah I Mosque | Amman

Information

Landmark: King Abdullah I Mosque
City: Amman
Country: Jordan
Continent: Asia

King Abdullah I Mosque, Amman, Jordan, Asia

The King Abdullah I Mosque is a blue-domed Islamic landmark situated in the Abdali district of Amman, Jordan. It serves as the national mosque and is the only mosque in the city that openly welcomes non-Muslim visitors.

Visual Characteristics

The structure is defined by a massive blue mosaic dome 35 meters in diameter, decorated with interlacing geometric patterns. The mosque is octagonal in shape and lacks internal pillars, utilizing a clear-span engineering design to support the roof. The exterior is clad in local white limestone, featuring two minarets designed with modern linear aesthetics rather than traditional tiered balconies.

Location & Access Logistics

The mosque is located on Sulayman al-Nabulsi Street, adjacent to the Parliament of Jordan and the Coptic Orthodox Church. It is approximately 3 kilometers northwest of the downtown Al-Balad area. On-site parking is available for visitors. Public transport access is facilitated by the "service" taxi system and bus routes passing through the Abdali transport hub.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction was commissioned by King Hussein bin Talal and completed in 1989. The mosque was designed by Czech architect Jan Cejka. It was built as a memorial to King Abdullah I, the founder of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can enter the main prayer hall, which accommodates up to 7,000 worshippers, to observe the 1,000-square-meter handmade carpet and the central chandelier. An Islamic Museum is located inside the complex, displaying photographs and personal effects of King Abdullah I. Women must wear provided traditional abayas (hooded robes) to enter the prayer hall.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The complex includes a gift shop, restrooms, and a café. The interior prayer hall is carpeted and climate-controlled. Reliable 5G cellular signal is available. The surrounding Abdali area contains numerous high-end hotels and commercial centers with full dining services.

Best Time to Visit

The mosque is open to tourists from Saturday to Thursday, 08:00 to 11:00 and 12:30 to 14:00. The blue dome is best photographed in the late afternoon sun to highlight the turquoise tiles. Avoid visiting on Fridays as the site is reserved exclusively for communal worship.

Facts & Legends

The mosque’s location was specifically chosen to stand directly across from the Coptic Orthodox Church, symbolizing the religious coexistence and harmony within Jordan. It remains the only mosque in Amman where the interior dome is unsupported by columns, a feat of 20th-century Jordanian engineering.