A landmark of Islam in Europe, the new mosque of Granada is dramatically located at the top of the Albaicin quarter in the Mirador of San Nicolas.
The magnificent new structure opened for prayer on July 10, 2003 in the presence of Sheikh Sultan, the emir of Sharjah, Prof. Nevzat Yalcintas, who represented the Turkish government, ministers of other Muslim countries, present and former mayors of Granada, the representatives of other religions, scholars, artists and artisans and many others of various colors and races from the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia and the United States.
The interior design of the mosque was done by Sidi Kareem, a Spanish Muslim historian and scholar. He did a wonderful job integrating wood, stone and marble in the mosque's interior. Taking his inspiration from the beautiful designs of famous Islamic architecture the world over - including the mehrab of the great mosque of Cordoba to the windows of the Blue Mosque - but has blended these elements seamlessly into his own unique musical scheme.
The garden of the mosque is designed to resemble the gardens of the Alhambra, with dozens of trees and flowers and beautiful fountains. It is a peaceful place. The sound of the flowing water mixes with birdsong.
The mosque is not very large but an atmosphere of simplicity and warmth pervades it. Standing inside in prayer you could be forgiven for thinking you have traveled 1,000 years back in time, to the great Moorish civilization of Andalusia. The imam's recitation of the Qur'an and the chanting after prayer echo in the ears and take you back to another era. You are standing on a hill, looking towards the snow-covered peaks of the Sierra Nevada and perhaps the most beautiful palace on earth, the Alhambra.
The music is different as well.
In one of the houses nearest to the mosque lives a Dutch musicologist, who is also an excellent pianist. Every day he steps out on his terrace and listens to the muezzin calling the faithful to prayer. He says he is very happy that the mosque has been built next to his house, and if not on the property market, to him at least it has increased the value of the house immeasurable.
Other neighbors are pleased too: they say the mosque will bring many tourists to the area, and that will benefit them all.
The mosque is a brand-new building. But it feels as it has been here a very long time.
— Arab News Review 13 November 2003
