The Leaning Mosque and Minaret at FBQ Museum. (Photo by Marivie Alabanza / The Peninsula)
Doha, Qatar: Entering the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum (FBQ), visitors are welcomed by a magnificent sight—a towering minaret that leans gracefully to the right, adjacent to an equally enchanting leaning mosque.
These remarkable architectural masterpieces, known as Qatar’s ‘Leaning Mosque and Minaret,’ are the brainchild of Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani, reflecting his visionary approach to design and his commitment to preserving Qatar’s cultural heritage.
Talking to The Peninsula, Sheikh Faisal said: “The leaning mosque and minaret were constructed as an extension of the FBQ Museum. The leaning minaret will serve as an additional attraction to engage visitors who may not find the museum alone entirely within their area of interest.”
According to Sheikh Faisal, the design of the leaning mosque and minaret pays homage to traditional Islamic architecture while incorporating a touch of innovation.
“I undertook this endeavour as a personal contribution to the community. This new attraction inside the museum stands as a symbol of Qatar’s commitment to progress while embracing its roots,” he said.
Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani. (Photo by Marivie Alabanza / The Peninsula)
The construction of the leaning mosque and minaret took around two years to finish, with the final phase completed late last year. The structures’ cladding is adorned with stone that was extracted during the preparatory excavations for the construction, adding an authentic touch to the architectural marvel.
When asked about the safety and stability, Sheikh Faisal said that the leaning mosque and minaret have been meticulously designed with rigorous measures put in place.
“The safety of the leaning minaret and mosque is of utmost importance. The minaret is equipped with advanced sensor technology that provide daily feedback on any signs of potential issues. Regular monitoring and maintenance are carried out to guarantee the ongoing safety of the architectural treasures,” he said.
The commitment to safety underscores the planning and expertise of an international architectural company involved in the construction process, added Sheikh Faisal.
Supported by a 2.5-metre deep raft footing fortified by eight columns, the 27-metre minaret ensures structural integrity for years to come. It features a dome and crescent crafted from Egyptian antique copper. It has internal steel spiral stairs, which provide a safe ascent for the muezzin to deliver the call to prayer.
The creation of the leaning mosque and minaret stems from a larger initiative to build more symbols and structures representing various cultures and religions within the FBQ Museum, Sheikh Faisal told The Peninsula.
“This endeavour represents only the beginning of a broader vision, one step of our further plan to embrace and explore different faiths within the museum, with the aim to foster dialogue and understanding among diverse cultures,” he said.
“We have dedicated a full section in the museum about different religions. This serves as a means to enhance people’s understanding of various faiths. The section mostly represents Islam, so it’s a way for people to learn about Islam, but also to learn about all the other religions as we aim to create a platform for dialogue and mutual respect among cultures,” Sheikh Faisal explained.
As the FBQ Museum welcomes visitors through its doors, they will be greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of the leaning mosque and minaret, and continue on a journey that blends tradition and modernity, preserving the heritage of Qatar while embracing the diversity of the world’s cultures.
