Introduction to Rangooniha Mosque
In every historical period, people built mosques in a way that had similarities to Persia. But in the meantime, a mosque in the south of Persia called Rangooniha was very different from other mosques. Rangooniha Mosque is one of the most famous tourist attractions of Abadan in Khuzestan province, which dates back to the late Qajar period, and became well-known in the southern regions of Persia due to its magnificent Indian architecture.
Stories of Construction of Rangooniha Mosque
The construction of this mosque began in 1299 AH. Indian and Bangladeshi workers built the Rangoon Mosque for those who used to come to refineries in southern Persia to work. The workers of the oil refinery built the mosque at their own expense to have the right to pray and worship. Also, the oil company was in charge of repairing and maintaining this mosque. The Rangooniha Mosque quickly found its place in the people’s hearts, so in addition to daily prayers, various Eid prayers, including Eid al-Fitr prayers, Friday prayers, and other religious ceremonies and celebrations were there. The Rangoon (Myanmar) workers at the Abadan oil refinery were Sunni and did not use seals. The interesting thing about the mosque is that people built some parts to put seals and rosaries for the Shiites. Inside this unique mosque, Shiites and Sunnis prayed and worshipped side by side. These factors made everyone recognize the Rangoon Mosque as a symbol of friendship between different religions.
Rebuilding of This Mosque
This mosque flourished during the first Pahlavi era and people held congregational prayers there. After the Islamic Revolution and the beginning of the eight-year war between Iran and Iraq, the war severely damaged the mosque. After the war, they redecorated the damaged parts. After restoration, the building became a museum. In this museum, several copies of manuscripts and historical documents from the Qajar period to the Pahlavi period are available, including financial and commercial correspondence of Persian merchants living in India and England, types of promissory notes, Barat, details of transactions and commercial letters are there in a museum.
The Naming of Rangooniha Mosque
The former capital of Myanmar is called Rangoon (Rangoon-Yangon), whose people are of the yellow race and various tribes Tibetan, Indian, Chinese, Karen, and Shan. Since the number of Myanmar workers in the construction of this building was more than the workers of other countries, they chose the name Rangoon (Rangoon) for this mosque.
The Architecture of the Mosque
The architects of this place of worship were from India, which is why the Rangoon Mosque is considered a symbol of Indian architecture. The Indian architecture has covered the interior in green and decorated the exterior with cement and embossed decorations. The building of the mosque is made of bricks and includes the nave, the main courtyard, and the mausoleum. There is a map with the words “In the name of God, Most Gracious, and Most Merciful” in front of the building. Other decorations used in this mosque are mirrors that are mostly in palaces, tombs, and Shrines of Persia. The Rangooniha Mosque has four domes and two minarets, and one of its prominent features is the existence of an altar decorated with a multitude of geometric shapes and Islamic motifs. This design is such that watching heaven reminds human beings. Also, the signs and flowers in the columns all show states of human worship and love for God and theology.
There are prominent flowers and shrubs that designers made of very durable materials on the walls of the mosque. The roof of the mosque, despite being very old, still looks fine, and the elegance, strength, and eye-impressiveness of these decorations show that they were designed and built by skilled people.