Masjid Midrand Traditional Geocache
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Size: 
(micro)
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This striking building can be seen from 5kms away driving on the N1 freeway and the mosque is even more spectacular from close up, with its shiny painted dome rising 32 metres into the air, anchored by the four 55m tall minarets and with 24 smaller domes adorning the boarding rooms and courtyard.
This monolithic structure is an impressive landmark in Midrand, the largest mosque in the southern hemisphere, and well worth a visit.
The Mosque's Architecture:
It is built as an Ottoman structure, modelled on the Selimiye Camisi mosque in Edirne, Turkey (completed in 1574 and today a Unesco World Heritage Site).
Ancient Turkish building techniques were strictly followed. A group of Turkish professionals were brought to South Africa for the project by Ali Katircioglu (known as “Uncle Ali”), a 74-year old, retired Turkish property developer, who spent and estimated R210-million on the construction of the mosque on this 10ha site.
The interior is ornamented in Ottoman style with all natural marble ceramics and Islamic artwork. Marble columns topped with gold leaf painted decorations, colourful patterned tiles (tulips are a symbol of the Ottoman Empire) reaching to the roof and marble floors.
The dome in the middle, painted in intricate detail and ringed with a row of stained glass windows, below which is a circle of gold lettering going around the dome, depicting the 99 names given to God. The dome has a diameter of 24 metres and is 12 metres high, and is made of reinforced concrete - cast in one go (20 hours to cast the dome).
The minarets are only three metres in diameter but contain two concrete spiral staircases, running one above the other – one up, one down.
All materials were imported from Turkey. Turkish calligraphers were also imported to create the authentic Turkish calligraphy on the walls and ceiling.
The mosque can accommodate 3 500 men and women. Furthermore the complex also houses a clinic, a four-storey sama (school) for 850 learners and an arasta (row of shops and restaurant), planned for completion beginning of July 2012.
About the cache:
Geocachers do not need to enter the "Nizamiye Complex" to find the cache.
Feel free to visit the mosque - it is well worth it for its architectural magnificence.
The mosque is also beautifully lit up at night and it should be safe (provided basic safety precautions for SA are taken) to visit GZ after dark.
The cache container is well disguised. Please bring your own pen.
Taking photos can be your disguise to find the cache and sign the log. Always use the necessary stealth and note that the nearby traffic circle can be very busy at certain times of the day. Park in the service road.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)