Prototype Islamic landmarks major attraction in Malaysia

By Abdullah Bogus KUALA LUMPUR, April 9 (KUNA) -- Malaysia boasts of its unique Islamic Heritage Park, which hosts prototype shapes of Major Islamic landmarks such as the Holy Kaaba and ancient mosques.
The park executive manager, Wan Adnan Wan Dirhaman, told KUNA that the park had been created to provide visitors with entertainment and educational facilities.
It hosts 22 replicas of landmarks in 21 states in Asia, Africa and Europe. Visitors of the park, built in 2008 on a 10 hectare plot of land, can examine replicas, such as Al-Masjid al-Nabawi, Medina, Saudi Arabia, Masjid al-Haram, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem, Palestine, Qolsharif Mosque, Kazan, Tatarstan, Masjid Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Masjid Menara Kudus, Kudus, Indonesia Great Mosque of Xi'an, Xi'an, China, Great Mosque of Samarra, Samarra, Iraq, Pattani Mosque, Pattani Province, Thailand, Al-Hambra Mosque, Granada, Spain and Aleppo Citadel, Aleppo, Syria, in addition to a series of other famous buildings and sites.
These prototype shapes narrate story of the Islamic civilization and history, said Dirhaman, noting that visitors can read extensive information about these replicas in various languages.
Icon of the park is Crystal Mosque, built with steel and glass -- one of the tourists' favorite attractions. The mosque accommodates up to 700 people.
The park is a major attraction not only for Muslims but also for people of various other religions, who show up in large numbers every day. Scholars are available all the time to answer any queries about Islam by the visitors.
The large complex also includes celebration and conference halls, a huge theater, multi-purpose halls and a restaurant.
Islam was first embraced by Malaysians through Arabs, Chinese and Indians.
The Islamic Heritage Park or Taman Tamadun Islam is located in Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, on the island of Wan Man. (end) ab.rk