From Agra to Abu Dhabi: Why India's Taj Mahal made me think of my UAE home
One of the first things I thought of when I saw the Taj Mahal was the UAE , the place I call home. Standing in front of one of India ’s most recognisable historic structures, my mind went almost immediately to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi – another vast white-marble landmark, another expression of Islamic architecture and another building that has become inseparable from the country…
While visiting Agra, India, the journalist observed the Taj Mahal, a historic white-marble structure that reminded her of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. They both represent Islamic architecture, but their origins differ; the Taj Mahal was built in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife, while the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was constructed in the late 20th century as a symbol of contemporary UAE identity.
The Taj Mahal stands as a testament to cultural exchange, blending Persian, Central Asian, Indian, and Islamic influences, whereas the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque draws from various architectural traditions across the Islamic world. Both Taj Mahal and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque serve as architectural marvels that embody their respective cultures, representing different stages in history and expressing identity in unique ways.
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