Mosque of Mar del Plata
Mosque in Buenos Aires, Argentina
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mosque of Mar del Plata (Spanish: Mezquita Sunita de Mar del Plata) is a Sunni Islamic mosque located in the downtown area of Mar del Plata, Argentina. It is recognized as the first Sunni mosque established in the city.[4][5]
| Mosque of Mar del Plata | |
|---|---|
Mezquita Sunita de Mar del Plata | |
| |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Sunni Islam |
| Region | Buenos Aires Province |
| Mosque | |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina |
| Architecture | |
| Architect | Germán Paulo[1] |
| Completed | 2014[1] |
| Specifications | |
| Dome | 1[2] |
| Minaret | 1[3] |
History
The mosque was completed in 2014 and emerged from fundraising efforts supported by Muslim communities in Argentina and South Africa.[1]
Local media describe it as the first Sunni mosque built in Mar del Plata, constructed "entirely in Bolívar, near Córdoba, in the heart of the city," and designed as a place dedicated to prayer and Quranic study.[6]
The mosque's inauguration marked a significant addition to the city's religious diversity. It was noted publicly in 2014 by La Capital during its coverage of Mar del Plata's religious institutions.[7]
Architecture
The structure was designed by Argentine architect Germán Paulo and combines modern construction techniques with Islamic architectural symbolism.[1]
The façade is decorated with thousands of handmade colored Venetian tiles forming geometric and arabesque motifs that distinguish it from surrounding buildings.[2] The building includes:[3][2][1]
- A single minaret
- A dome crowning the upper floor
- A Moorish-style portal and handcrafted woodwork
- A prayer hall carpeted with motifs resembling individual prayer rugs
- A mihrab precisely oriented toward Mecca
- Ablution facilities for ritual washing
- A designated room for Islamic funeral rituals
