Russia is constructing tens of thousands of churches. Unfortunately, many of these churches are expected to remain largely empty. Just like many other churches, this holds. Increasingly, they’re being purchased and converted into mosques, especially in Western Europe.
Isn’t it fascinating how the Islamic world appears to be leading the way in building massive structures? They seem to have a strong sense of purpose and ambition. Take, for instance, the world’s largest mosque, which is truly mind-boggling in its scale and complexity.
Despite their immense size, it’s remarkable how all these structures maintain their ornate beauty and honor classical architectural traditions. There’s no sight of brutalist cement and glass boxes; instead, they exude elegance and reverence for their cultural heritage. Mecca authorities are planning to expand it to accommodate 20 million people. I find the logistics of the Hajj mind-blowing. Millions of people, each with specific tasks to complete within a limited time frame. Just the process of transporting, accommodating, and providing food and water for them in Mecca is a monumental feat.
What’s particularly striking in this picture is the sheer number of people gathered. Those black and white dots represent millions of Muslim men and women who have come to worship and strive for personal growth. It’s a sight unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere. There’s currently an oversupply of office space in the US, and the profitability of constructing extremely tall towers isn’t always clear. Not everyone may be willing to traverse 125 floors of elevators. We prioritize building what is practical and hopefully sustainable.
