Taipei Grand Mosque Introduction
Walking along Xinsheng South Road, you will undoubtedly come across a unique building featuring a 15-meter high dome. Everyone passing by cannot help but turn their heads for a second glance; this is the Taipei Grand Mosque. The mosque serves as a place of worship for Islam. Covering an area of 2,747 square meters, the Taipei Grand Mosque was inaugurated on April 13, 1960, built through joint funding from Taiwan and Saudi Arabia. The architect, Mr. Yang Chao-cheng, is also known for designing the Grand Hotel in Taipei. The main structure employs reinforced concrete beams and columns, with the exterior walls reinforced with bricks and finished with fine cement and mosaic patterns. The circular stone pillars are processed from cut stone, and the major doors and windows feature a large floor-to-ceiling design. Another significant characteristic is the dome inside the main hall, which is 15 meters high and spans 15 meters without any supporting columns. The main hall is adorned with handcrafted Persian wool carpets gifted by foreign kings and suspended chandeliers. The two minarets on the exterior rise over 20 meters high, contributing to the building's magnificent appearance. For over 40 years, kings, presidents, and leaders from various Muslim countries visiting Taiwan have made it a key part of their itinerary, showcasing its role in international diplomacy and cultural exchanges. When visiting the mosque, it is important to observe etiquette; the main prayer hall and the women's prayer room on the second floor are restricted to Muslims only.
