^{Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE}

Some of my favourite Islamic sites

September 29, 2026

A photo essay of visits to some of my favourite Islamic sites in Palestine, Iran, Uzbekistan, Morocco, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Qatar, Malaysia, Spain, Canada and Australia.

It was books about prayer rugs and Islamic architecture that first got me interested in visiting Islamic countries. While attracted to the blues and greens of the tiles and the deep reds of the rugs, it was the beauty of the pattern and script that magnetised me. Then I started reading about the use of sacred design to lead people to unity through harmony. This resonated deeply within me and I started reading about Islam, making friends with people of Muslim faith and visiting mosques and shrines. But I was a reluctant visitor – trying to balance curiosity with the deepest respect.

Palestine was the first Muslim country I visited and I found the people so kind and hospitable – traits I would see repeatedly in other Muslim countries but most particularly Iran. I found the call to prayer soothing and a literal wake up to my own devotion. And while not all mosques permit non-Muslims, it was remarkable how often someone would read my heart and make me feel welcome. Most extraordinary of all, was the similarity in the energy of Shia shrines and Roman Catholic churches.

I have now visited Islamic sites – principally mosques, shrines, madrassa (schools) and hammans (bathhouses) in Palestine, Iran, Uzbekistan, Morocco, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Qatar, Malaysia and Spain, as well as excellent Islamic art museums in Qatar, Canada and Australia. My travel wish list includes several Muslim countries but most particularly Syria.

Although I did not plan it, I have observed with interest the way my travels have somewhat mirrored the spread of Islam – west to Spain, east to China and south to Malaysia and Indonesia. As Islam is now spread across the globe, including in Africa, I am curious about architecture and design more broadly.

This photo-essay is the first time I have pulled together photos of Islamic architecture and design from my travels. I now see how much I am interested in the buildings on the one hand and the decorative aspects on the other.

But I acknowledge that what is missing from these photos are the people who made my travels so special. I wish I had captured them with my camera but, as I have said before, I don’t like being filmed by strangers and I do not want to disrespect others. Also missing are the markets, meals and museums that dominate my travelling day. You can see this kind of thing in the photo essays of specific countries such as Iran, Uzbekistan and Morocco.

I hope these pictures give you a nudge to consider taking a sacred journey to a Muslim country. If you would like to discuss how I can help please reach out or visit 8 Pilgrims.

Namaste.