In a predominantly Roman Catholic country, Mindanao has a distinct Islamic Culture evident by the architecture such as the mosques, and the strong Islam traditions.

Islamic civilization, shaped by a faith dating back thousands of years, gave rise to a unique architectural style. This style embodies the qualities of Muslim beliefs in a visible and tangible way. Its structure featuring striking details and a focus on experiences within enclosed spaces.

Not only do the buildings serve as places of worship and centers for community, but their designs reflect Muslim beliefs and morals, and reveal the rich history of Islam.

Cotabato Grand Mosque

Cotabato City Grand Mosque. Photo Credit to Mindanao Travels and Photography

Also known as Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid, it currently stands as the second largest mosque in the country and in Southeast Asia. Felino Palafox, Jr. designed the mosque in 2011. It was built on the coastal tip of Cotabato, right by the mouth of the Tamontaka River, surrounded by the quiet countryside.

The height of the mosque is equivalent to a 15-storey building. With Crescent moons adorning the domes painted in gold, four towering minarets stand 43 meters high (141 feet). On top of which are pilot’s lights to avoid aerial accidents at night. 

Elevated from the ground, the Cotabato Grand Mosque radiates elegance, letting natural light in with two courtyards on either side. An arcaded path acts as a breezeway for wind circulation. This leads to a rotunda with a water fountain in the middle. Large arch openings puncture the massive walls, making the imposing structure feel lighter. The gold strikes a perfect balance to the white building base, making the mosque gleam, especially during sunsets.

Marawi Grand Mosque

A number of Muslim faithful goes to the Grand Mosque of Marawi City to mark the last day of month-long Ramadan. Photo credit to Michael John Paclar, taken from the Philippine Information Agency
Marawi Grand Mosque Post-Siege. Photo credit to Philippine Information Agency

5 years after the fighting between the military forces and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-linked Maute group, the Muslim faithful in Marawi City had a chance for the first time since then to celebrate this year’s Eid al-Fitr at the city’s Grand Mosque.

The Jameo Mindanao Al-Islamie Islamic Center has always been a belowed place of worship among the Maranaos. The Pangarungan clan, who originally built the Grand Mosque of Marawi over half a century ago, rebuilt the mosque in the heart of the most affected area (MAA) or the Marawi Ground Zero.

Now, it stands as the country’s biggest place of Islamic worship. With a total area of 9,484 square meters, it consists of three floors with a basement and can accommodate 20,000 worshippers at any given time. 

Islamic Architecture’s Spiritual Reflections

The mosque explores the combination of light and built form around a spiritual experience. Skilled artisans painted the domes in gold, adorning them with intricate motifs that frame the windows. The mosque’s elegant entrance features a rounded shape, with an open space lined by a row of pillars.

The mosque interiors display a symmetrical space adorned with Arabic symbols, pillars and windows. In the middle is a black, square minbar, bearing script as 

The Grand Mosque Details. Image credit to Philippine Information Agency-Caraga and Karl Norman Alonzo

Inside, the mosque’s interiors showcase a symmetrical space adorned with golden motifs and Arabic symbols, pillars, and windows. In the middle stands a black, square minbar bearing script, while a chandelier hangs from the ceiling.

While these mosques stand as a shining symbol in their own cities, it also showcase the grandness of Islamic architecture – a place that epitomizes the traditions, practices, and historical identities of the Islamic Culture in Mindanao.

Photo credits to the Presidential Communications and Philippine Information Agency.

Read more: Filipino Textiles: Magical Weaves of the Mindanao and Sulu People

"Gimme Shelter" by Keka Enriquez.

‘Points and Endings’: Keka Enriquez Paints Domesticity to Vivid Life

Points and Endings, shown at Silverlens Manila, portrays the hecticness of the household of Keka Enriquez. She finds a way to represent the lived-in energy of the house, contrasting against more polished portrayals of one’s home as seen in the media. It’s unruly and active and alive, finding a rhythm that suggests comfort in one’s […]

Kazu Cafe interiors viewed from the outside.

Kazu Cafe: A Treat for Your Senses

The next time you’re in Ayala Triangle, swing by Kazu Cafe—whether for a cup of coffee or for a hearty, Japanese meal. Originally part of the Japanese restaurant Kazunori, this addition to the Nippon Hasha, Inc.’s group of restaurants was born from customer demand. “It’s what people gravitate towards,” shares Ryan Cruz, President and CEO […]

Design for Life: How 50/53 Architects Balance Love, Work, and Family.

Design for Life: How 50/53 Architects Balance Love, Work, and Family

Love and architecture are both built on trust, vision, and the ability to adapt. As the founders of 50/53 Architects, Pauline and John Sac crafted a practice that merges their architectural vision with construction expertise—transforming ideas into tangible structures, just as they have built a life together. Their work at 50/53 Architects is deeply personal, […]

Ezra Viniti Resort: Embracing Nature

Tucked at the end of Pag-Ibig Street near Tagaytay Public Market,  Ezra Viniti Resort gives you a quiet retreat, allowing you to escape from the noise of Metro Manila and even from the bustle of common Tagaytay destinations. But what’s even more remarkable is how Ezra Viniti Resort is designed around nature, with sustainability and […]

The Visionary Design of Piraso Inc.

Joseph Gonzalez Rastrullo is transforming contemporary interiors with his bold and innovative approach to design. As Principal Designer of Piraso Inc., he seamlessly merges artistry with function, crafting pieces that transcend utility and become sculptural expressions. His work is a dialogue between heritage and modernity, deeply rooted in Filipino culture while embracing global influences. Rastrullo’s […]

"Escapism" by Viel Olaguera for "Angat Sining."

‘Angat Sining’ Highlights the Importance of Art Advocacy in the Philippines

Angat Sining is an exhibition showcasing visual artists who benefitted from the Angat Sining Fellowship. Shown at UP Parola Gallery, it enrolled twelve high school students in a six-month program to “explore their artistic potential through various art forms.” It was done in partnership with Metrobank Foundation, Inc. and the Ateneo de Manila Fine Arts […]

Download this month's BLUPRINT magazine digital copy from:
Subscribe via [email protected]