 Masjid Negara (National Mosque), Kuala Lumpur
Masjid Negara, or National Mosque, is a modern contrast to the Friday Mosque (Masjid Jamek). The National Mosque of Malaysia was built of reinforced concrete to symbolize the aspirations of the newly created Malaysia. It was completed in 1965. Located on 13 acres of landscaped gardens, it can accommodate 15,000 worshippers. The original structure was designed by a team from the Public Works Department including UK architect Howard Ashley, and Malaysians Hisham Albakri and Baharuddin Kassim.
Masjid Negara, Kuala Lumpur.
The main features of Masjid Negara are the 18-pointed star concrete main roof, and the 73-meter-tall minaret. The umbrella, a ubiquitous item in the tropics, is represented in the architecture of the main roof of the mosque which appears like an open umbrella. On the other hand, the cap of the minaret resembles a folded one. The compound of Masjid Negara is graced with reflecting pools and fountains.
When Masjid Negara was renovated in 1987, its the once-pink concrete roof is cladded in green and blue tiles. An underground passage leads to the railway station along Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin. The design is a contemporary interpretation of traditional Islamic art of calligraphy and ornamentation. Within the compound of Masjid Negara is the Makam Pahlawan (Heroes' Mausoleum).
A replica of Masjid Negara can be seen at Taman Tamadun Islam, an Islamic-themed monument park in Kuala Terengganu.
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