Masjid Al-Dahab (or the Manila Golden Mosque and Cultural Center; Filipino: Gintong Masjid) is situated in the predominantly Muslim section of the Quiapo district in Manila, Philippines, and is considered the largest mosque in Metro Manila.
Background
Worshipers at the mosque
The Golden Mosque acquired its name for its gold-painted dome as well as for its location in Globo de Oro Street. Under the supervision of Philippine's then-First Lady Imelda Marcos, construction began on August 4, 1976, for the visit of Libya President Muammar al-Gaddafi, although his visit was cancelled. It was funded through foreign donations, notably from Libya and Saudi Arabia.[1][2] It now serves many in Manila's Muslim community and is especially full during Jumuah prayers on a Friday. The mosque can accommodate up to 22,000 worshippers.[3]
The mosque incorporates a mixture of foreign and local influences. Its dome and erstwhile minaret are patterned after Middle Eastern structures whereas its geometric designs borrow much from the colors and variations of ethnic Maranao, Maguindanao, and Tausug art. The curved lines are based on the serpent motifs in Maranao art.[3] The mosque used to exhibit stained glass panels by artist Antonio Dumlao.[4] The glass panels are now at the Far Eastern University.
According to the mosque administrators, the minaret was torn down due to problems in structural integrity at the time of then-Mayor Lito Atienza. There were already plans to rebuild the minaret as donations from all over the world are pouring in to reach the target of ₱12 million. The measurement of its dome is 12 meters (39 ft) in diameter and 10 meters (33 ft) in height.
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