Faisal Mosque

The Shah Faisal Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Asia, with its four minarets towering over Islamabad at the foot of the Margalla Hills. According to Lonely Planet, there's an urban legend that the CIA once suspected the towers of being missiles in disguise.


Funded mostly by the Saudis, and designed by a Turkish architect, the building cost $45 million and took more than 10 years to complete. The design is a departure from the usual dome with sloping geometric lines inspired by desert tents.

Visitors must observe the usual protocol and remove shoes. Women must cover their heads. The main prayer hall can accommodate 8,500 men and 1,500 women. Our group was swallowed up in the vast space as we posed for pictures.



We visited Islamabad shortly before Easter, and in this Muslim country it was surprising to see a display of Easter bunnies in the hotel lobby. Perhaps it was an effort to make international guests feel a little more at home, or just a celebration of spring.