Al-Saleh Mosque In The Sanaa, Capital Of Yemen Editorial Photo

Al-Saleh Mosque is a modern mosque in Sana’a that is the largest in Yemen. It lies in the southern outskirts of the city, south of the Al Sabeen Maternal Hospital. Originally named `Al Saleh Mosque`, it was inaugurated in November 2008 by the late Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh. Open to Muslims and non-Muslims, the mosque is frequented by tourists, and promotes moderate Islam.Situated close the presidential palace, the mosque is set within Al-Sabeen Square, which is the country`s largest parade square. The mosque was built on a large area of land that was acquired from Beit Zuhra, a well-known local family; it is said that when Zuhra refused to sell the land at a low price, his eldest son was abducted for ransom and released three months later, after Zuhra agreed to sell the land for the mosque at a low price.Nearby is an amusement park named FunCity.The grounds include sprawling gardens, green courtyards, and parking space for thousands of vehicles, part of an integrated services plan.