The golden dome
Seen across the city.
Mark Fischer — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Mark Fischer — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Fawaz.tairou — CC BY-SA 4.0 · anthere — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Mark Fischer — CC BY-SA 2.0
Abuja National Mosque is the national mosque of Nigeria, in the capital, Abuja. It is known for its big golden dome and four tall minarets, visible across the city. It stands on Independence Avenue, across from the National Christian Centre. It is open to non-Muslim visitors outside congregational prayers, and it is among the first places Arab visitors seek out in the city. It was built in 1984, with Lodigiani Nigeria as general contractor and AIM Consultants handling the design. The complex includes a library, a conference hall for six hundred people, the Islamic Centre's office and housing for imams and muezzins. It is now run by a body under the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs. You see a wide golden dome above a sand-coloured building, four slender minarets with gilded tips, and trees and a broad road around it. At the entrance are carved golden doors beneath panels of blue and green geometric tiles and Arabic script in thuluth style. Inside is a broad hall with red carpets, arches and chandeliers, and a mihrab with green decoration. It lies in central Abuja, and Zuma Rock is about 30 km away in a straight line. Dress modestly, women should cover their heads, and avoid prayer times, above all on Friday. Ask before taking photos inside. The UK Foreign Office does not name Abuja itself but warns about nearby central and northern states, so read the current advice.
Seen across the city.
Gold, tiles and script.
Red carpets, chandeliers.
Independence Avenue, Abuja, Nigeria
Yes, outside congregational prayers, with modest dress.
The National Christian Centre, across Independence Avenue.