SHAH ALAM, June 10 — The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah and the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Norashikin visited the Şakirin Mosque in Istanbul, Turkiye, on Sunday (June 7).
The Selangor Royal Office said Their Royal Highnesses were impressed by the unique architectural design of the modern mosque, which is regarded as one of the most distinctive mosques in the Islamic world.
Officially opened on May 7, 2009, it combines traditional Islamic architecture with refined and elegant contemporary elements.
“The mosque’s principal architect was Hüsrev Tayla, who is well known for his involvement in the construction of the Kocatepe Mosque. However, what has brought the Şakirin Mosque international recognition is the contribution of Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu as its interior designer.
“She is often regarded as the first woman in the modern era to play a significant role in the design of a mosque, particularly in terms of its interior design. Zeynep explained that her intention was to create a place of worship that felt softer, brighter, and more inclusive, while preserving its Islamic identity,” it said in a Facebook post.
The Office added that the mosque's construction took four years and was undertaken by the the Semiha Şakir Foundation as a tribute to the philanthropist couple Ibrahim Şakir and Semiha Şakir.
One of its most striking interior features is its giant teardrop-shaped chandelier, which has become an iconic element of the building.
Comprising hundreds of glass spheres, the chandelier symbolises prayers for the light and mercy of Allah SWT to continually be bestowed upon humanity.
“The Şakirin Mosque is not merely known as a mosque designed by a woman; it stands as proof that Islamic architecture can evolve with the times without severing its connection to tradition.
“It demonstrates that a mosque can remain firmly rooted in the principles of tawhid, the qibla, the mihrab, and Islamic heritage, while embracing the design language of the twenty-first century.
“Many architectural critics regard it as one of the finest examples of a dialogue between Ottoman tradition and modern design,” it said.
