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Similar Church of Our Lady of the Rosar, Enda Mariam Cathedral, Fiat Tagliero Building, Asmara Synagogue, Shrine of the Cloak | ||
The Great Mosque of Asmara (Italian: Grande Moschea di Asmara; alternately known as Al Kulafah Al Rashidan, Al Kulafah Al Rashidin, Al Kuaka Al Rashidin or Al Khulafa Al Rashiudin; Arabic: جامع الخلفاء الراشدين, jama al khulafa'a al rashidin, Mosque of the Rightly-Guided Caliphs) is a mosque located on Harnet Avenue (earlier known as Viale Mussolini) in Asmara, the capital city of Eritrea. The mosque is considered to be one of the three prominent edifices of the city, along with Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and Enda Mariam Coptic Cathedral. Designed by Gudo Ferrazza, it was built in 1938 on the initiative of Benito Mussolini, to impress the Muslim population, who make up about 50% of the locality. The name means "followers of the right path".
Features
The mosque was designed by Gudo Ferrazza in a blend of the architectural styles of Rationalist, Classical, and Islamic. The minaret at its end, fluted and of Roman design, is visible from all parts of the city. It has two platforms and two balconies of the Italian rococo or late baroque style. Below the minaret, the mosque's fascia has a neoclassical loggia (exterior galleries), which is split in three parts. The building's double columns are made from Dekemhare travertine and are fitted with capitals made of Carrara marble. Other features include Islamic domes and arches. The mihrab, which faces west towards the direction of Mecca, is of Carrara marble. Additional marble from the same quarry is used in other areas of this mosque. The front open yard of the mosque is covered with black stone slabs set in geometrical design.