Brunei - Mosques

My last couple of days in Brunei were greatly interesting. Unfortunately, due to how intense and busy they were, I was unable to update the blog. So, I will do it in lump now. I will also close with my final reflections on a small country that has aroused big controversy, and my thoughts on Brunei as a place. There is a space and time for politics, and the politics of Brunei is what comes to mind for most people when they think of Brunei, so I do want to reflect on the country independently of its politics, to focus on its people and culture. I will break this section down into mosques and rainforest, and final reflections.

Brunei's second masjid negara (national mosque) is the Omar Ali Saifuddien mosque, an impressive structure located almost entirely in an artificial lagoon. It is not only of religious significance, but national, cultural, and political significance, as it is named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei, Omar Ali Saifuddien, since its opening in 1958 it has become a symbol of the Islamic faith in Brunei, an essential pillar of the small country's national identity. It is a fantastically impressive structure, and possibly also a symbol of the fantastic wealth of Brunei. Between its Mughal design, Persian carpets, and English chandeliers, it is a symbol of the cultural crossroads this small country finds itself in. 

However, internally, it is dwarfed by its more modern successor, the Jame 'Asr, which is a larger and more visually impressive structure. This is not to say the Omar Ali Saifuddien mosque is not impressive, it is. You can see pictures below: 

 It is particularly impressive when it is illuminated green at dusk. 

This is a relatively quick stop on the Brunei tour, but of course no trip to Brunei is quite complete without it.