Katara Mosque, Doha

Overview

Katara Mosque, often called the Blue Mosque, is one of the most photographed buildings in Katara Cultural Village. It opened in 2010 and was designed by the Turkish designer Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu. The outside is covered in glittering turquoise, violet and deep blue mosaic tiles, with gold calligraphy panels. It is an active mosque, and it sits close to the village's amphitheatre and main walkways.

Go for the tilework, the calm courtyard and the chance to learn about Islam in a relaxed setting. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome to look around outside prayer times. Guides from the Qatar Guest Centre are often at the entrance to answer questions. Katara itself is free to enter, so the mosque is an easy addition to a walk through the galleries, beach and restaurants of the village.

History and background

Katara Mosque was built as part of Katara Cultural Village, the arts and heritage district that opened on Doha's coast in 2010. It was designed by Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu, a Turkish designer best known for the interior of the Şakirin Mosque in Istanbul and often described as a pioneer among women designing mosques.

The design draws on Ottoman, Persian and Central Asian traditions. The building has nine domes and one minaret. Its outer walls are clad in turquoise, violet and blue glass mosaics, framed by calligraphic panels of Qur'anic verses finished in gold leaf. Craftsmen with restoration experience from Istanbul's Dolmabahçe Palace worked on the decoration.

Today it serves as a working mosque for the village and as a place where visitors from abroad can learn about Islam. The smaller Golden Mosque, clad in gold-coloured tiles, stands elsewhere in Katara.

What to see at Katara Mosque

1. The mosaic façade

   The outer walls shimmer with turquoise, violet and deep blue tiles. Up close you can see the detail of the geometric patterns and how they catch the changing light.

2. Gold calligraphy panels

   Qur'anic verses in gilded calligraphy frame the façade. They are some of the finest decorative details anywhere in Katara and reward a slow, careful look.

3. Domes and minaret

   Nine domes cluster over the prayer hall, beside a single minaret. Step back towards the amphitheatre if you want to fit the whole building into one photo.

4. Meeting the Qatar Guest Centre

   Staff and volunteers from the Qatar Guest Centre often welcome non-Muslim visitors at the entrance. They answer questions about the mosque, prayer and Islam, and can advise when it is fine to go inside.

5. The Golden Mosque

   A short walk away, Katara's smaller Golden Mosque is covered in gold-coloured tiles that glint in the sun. Seeing both mosques makes a good contrast in style.

6. Katara Cultural Village

   The mosque is surrounded by galleries, the amphitheatre, pigeon towers, restaurants and a public beach, all within easy walking distance of each other and the mosque.

How to get to Katara Mosque

Tips for your visit

• Avoid prayer times, especially Friday midday prayers, if you want to go inside.
• Women should bring a scarf to cover their hair; everyone should cover arms and legs.
• Take your shoes off before entering the prayer hall.
• Ask before photographing people who are praying.
• Late afternoon light shows the colours of the tiles best.
• Combine the visit with the Golden Mosque and a walk through Katara.

Facilities

Frequently asked questions