A small piece of Eastern culture stands out against the city's overall backdrop in the northern Scandinavian capital of Norway. The building of the World Islamic Mission Mosque was opened to worshippers on Åkebergveien in 1995, after 4 years of construction. Today it is one of Oslo's most beautiful architectural structures, favorably contrasting with the understated Norwegian buildings.
The history of Norway's Muslim community spans several decades - not a very long period, but in that time several Islamic structures have already appeared in Oslo. However, this mosque was the first one intended specifically for prayer services.
The mosque has three floors, galleries, and two tall minarets, which are located on either side of the main entrance. The main hall can accommodate up to seven hundred people at the same time.
The mosque is designed in a traditional Middle Eastern style. The facing tiles, delivered from Spain and Iran, are decorated with calligraphic script. The main hall is covered with luxurious carpets made by Iranian weavers, and if you look up, you will see a striking chandelier made by Turkish craftsmen.
