KUWAIT: Turkish Ambassador to Kuwait, Tuba Nur Sonmez, described how the Badriya Nasser Al-Jiean Mosque, not only stands as a place of worship but, “a beautiful symbol of the enduring religious and cultural bonds rooted in history between my homeland, Turkey, and my second home, Kuwait.” During a tour organized on Sunday by the Turkish Embassy to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations, she highlighted how the mosque, also known as “The Golden Mosque”, embodies the deep cultural connections between the two countries, blending Ottoman architectural brilliance and Kuwaiti architectural styles.

Expressing her heartfelt gratitude to the donors, especially Sheikh Miteb Al-Sabah, Sheikh Thamer Al-Sabah, and Sheikha Hanoof Al-Sabah children of Badriya Nasser Al-Jiean, the ambassador said that the mosque serves as a sign of their generosity. Evoking the architectural mastery of the renowned Mimar Sinan, the chief Ottoman architect of the 16th century, Ambassador Tuba added that the craftsmanship behind the mosque exemplifies the close collaboration between Turkish and Kuwaiti teams in creating this architectural masterpiece.

Japanese ambassador Morino Yasunari examines the mosque's details alongside with other officials.

Mosque's Designer Muhammad Amr

Officials attentively listen as the mosque's designer explains the architectural features.

Turkish Ambassador Tuba Nur Sonmez shares information about the mosque alongside with the mosque's designer and other officials.

Turkish Ambassador Tuba Nur Sonmez

Completing the mosque required almost two years, according to its designer, Mohamed Ibrahim Amr. In an interview with Kuwait Times, he highlighted the contribution of a dedicated diverse workforce from Kuwait and Turkey to finishing the project, which was officially inaugurated in 2021. Amr added that he sourced all materials from Turkey, to achieve a harmonious integration of construction and design elements.

The diverse team behind the project, he said, aimed to blend traditional Ottoman design with Kuwaiti culture and the local environment, as reflected in the earthy colors of the exterior, which suits Kuwait’s dusty climate. The mosque also includes a diwaniya, a gathering area common in Kuwaiti culture, allowing the imam to engage with worshippers and teach students the Quran without disturbance.

A standout feature of the mosque, according to Amr, is its impressive large dome design, which consists of 15 smaller domes and four minarets, each reaching a height of 50 meters. This remarkable architecture, as he added, is complemented by the use of special materials, including golden titanium, travertine stone, and stained glass. Amr concluded by mentioning that the main prayer area accommodates around 1,000 male and 400 female worshippers, with the extra space for outdoor gatherings.