Red Mosque

The Red Mosque, also known as the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, is a prominent landmark in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is one of the oldest mosques in the city and is known for its distinctive red and white patterned facade.

History:

The Red Mosque was built in 1908 by a wealthy businessman named Haji Mohideen. It was designed by a prominent architect named Seyd Mohideen. The mosque was completed in 1910 and was officially opened to the public on January 1, 1911.

Architecture:

The mosque is a two-story building with a large prayer hall on the ground floor. The prayer hall is decorated with intricate carvings and mosaics. The mosque also has a minaret, which is a tall tower that is used to call Muslims to prayer.

The mosque is built in a traditional Islamic style, with a red and white patterned facade. The red and white colors are said to represent the blood and milk of the Prophet Muhammad.

Religious significance:

The Red Mosque is one of the most important mosques in Sri Lanka. It is a place of worship for the Muslim community in Colombo. The mosque is also a popular tourist attraction, and it is often visited by people from all over the world.

Features:

• The mosque has a large prayer hall that can accommodate up to 5,000 people.
• The mosque has a minaret, which is a tall tower that is used to call Muslims to prayer.
• The mosque is decorated with intricate carvings and mosaics.
• The mosque has a library that contains a collection of Islamic books and manuscripts.
• The mosque has a school that provides Islamic education to children.

Visiting the mosque:

The Red Mosque is open to visitors from Monday to Saturday from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM, 1:00-3:00 PM, and 4:15-6:00 PM. On Sundays, the mosque is open from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM, 1:00-3:00 PM, and 4:15-6:00 PM.

Visitors are asked to dress modestly when visiting the mosque. Women should wear long skirts or dresses that cover their knees and elbows. Men should wear long pants and shirts that cover their shoulders.

How to get to the Red Mosque:

The Red Mosque is located at 228 2nd Cross Street, Colombo 01100, Sri Lanka. It is about 10 kilometers from Colombo Fort Station.

There are several ways to get to the Red Mosque:

• By bus: Take bus number 180, 181, or 182 from Colombo Fort Station to Pettah Bus Stand. From Pettah Bus Stand, take bus number 18, 21, 22, or 23 to 2nd Cross Street.
• By train: Take the train from Colombo Fort Station to Maradana Station. From Maradana Station, take a tuk-tuk or taxi to 2nd Cross Street.
• By taxi: Take a taxi from Colombo Fort Station to 2nd Cross Street. The journey should take about 15 minutes.
• By car: If you are driving, take the Galle Road (A2) from Colombo Fort Station to 2nd Cross Street. The journey should take about 10 minutes.

Here are some additional tips for visiting the Red Mosque:

• It is best to visit the mosque outside of prayer times.
• Be respectful of the mosque and its visitors.
• Dress modestly.
• Remove your shoes before entering the mosque.
• Do not take photographs inside the mosque.