Taipei Grand Mosque

“The craftsmanship on that door is incredible!”” our guide exclaimed, gesturing towards the Taipei Grand Mosque. The Taipei Grand Mosque is a beautiful blend of Arabic and Chinese design. The largest and oldest mosque in Taiwan, its gray walls have witnessed over six decades of the country’s history. Completed in 1960, the mosque was a vision brought to life by renowned architect, Yang Cho-cheng. Interestingly, Yang is also the mastermind behind many of Taipei’s iconic landmarks like the Grand Hotel and the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. The mosque wasn’t always in its current location. The original structure, built in 1948 on Lishui Street, was a converted Japanese-style house. After the Chinese Civil War, an influx of Muslims arrived in Taiwan, prompting the need for a larger place of worship. This led to the construction of the grand mosque we see today. What’s fascinating is the story behind its funding. While the Chinese Muslim Association covered most of the construction costs, substantial contributions came from surprising sources. The Shah of Iran and the King of Jordan donated a significant amount. Even the Kuomintang government provided a loan, half of which was ultimately waived! The Taipei Grand Mosque is more than just a place of worship. It embodies the spirit of intercultural exchange. Throughout the years, it has welcomed dignitaries like King Faisal of Saudi Arabia and King Hussein of Jordan. Today, it stands as a testament to Taiwan’s inclusive spirit and its respect for diverse faiths.”