OUTBOUND TOUR (DTT 2144)

(INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT)
(MOSQUE TOURISM)

PREPARED FOR:
MS. NUR HIDAYAH MOHD FADZIL
PREPARED BY:
TUAN AHMAD ERHAM BIN TUAN AZLAN
(2020.05.317.DHUMY)
INTAKE : JULY

SUBMISSION DATE
28TH OCTOBER 2021

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TABLE OF CONTENT
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Definition of Tourism & Outbound Tourism…………………………………………...3
1.2 Definition of Mosque tourism…………………………………………………………..4
1.3 Characteristic of Mosque tourism……………………………………………………….4
1.4 Advantages of Mosque tourism…………………………………………………………5
1.5 Method of Survey……………………………………………………………………….5

2.0 MOSQUE TOURISM ATTRACTIONS

2.1 Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, Iran……….……………………………………………………6
2.2 Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi……………………………………………………..7
2.3 Sultan Ahmet Mosque, Turkey.…………………………………………………………8
2.4 Jama Masjid, India ……………………………………………………………………...9
2.5 The Great Mosque of Xi'an, China…..…………………………………………………10
2.6 Hagia Sophia Mosque, Turkey………...……………………………………………….11

3.0 MOST PREFERRED HAGIA SOPHIA MOSQUE, TURKEY OUTBOUND

TOURISM ATTRACTIONS BY MALAYSIAN
3.1 Gender……………………………………………………………………….…………12
3.2 Occupation……………………………………………………………………….…….13
3.3 Result Mosque Tourism Survey……………………………………………………….13

4.0 CONCLUSION
4.1 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………14

5.0 REFERENCE
5.1 Reference……………………………………………………………………………15-16

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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Definition of Tourism & Outbound Tourism
• 1.1.1 Definition of Tourism & Outbound Tourism

This is based on my understanding from the previous semester. Tourism is defined as the
action of travelling, visiting, or travelling to another location for the purpose of recreation or
leisure beyond a 50-mile radius of our home. A year is also the maximum duration for visiting,
travelling, or touring. These tourism activities are available both locally and internationally.

According to the World Tourism Organization, or in English, the World Tourism

Organization/WTO (one of the United Nations agencies), tourism also encompasses
entertainment activities, theory and practise, services, commercial operations, and tourist or
visitor attractions. Management of events and meetings or seminars (MICE-Meetings,
incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) involving niches or tourism groups that organise
seminars, conferences, management and planning of tourism activities, events, is also one of
the tourism activities when it attracts many people from various states or countries to join and
shop for tourism-related industries.

The tourism sector is vulnerable when there are cases or issues related to the health and security
of the country or the world. It also affects when the occurrence of natural effects such as floods,
volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and others.

Tourism is divided into 3 types, namely:

• Domestic Tourism (Domestic Citizens Travel Domestic)

• Inbound Tourism (visits to a country by visitors who are not residents of that country)
• Outbound Tourism (visits by residents of a country outside that country)

When they make a tourism activity, there are many purposes that they will take into account.
Next are some activities or types of tourism destinations available such as Cultural Tourism,
Eco Tourism, Medical Tourism, Education Tourism, Sports Tourism, Adventure Tourism,
Religious Tourism, Geo Tourism, Shopping Tourism and various other types of tourism. A
large number of these tour groups have their own fans as they tend to be interested in exploring
and tasting the experience they dream of.

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1.2 Definition of Mosque tourism
• 1.2.1 Definition of Mosque tourism
Tourism and religion are closely linked, and religion has become a powerful motive for
traveling. Festivals and religious events, religious buildings, and rituals are among the
important tourist attractions for the followers of particular systems of belief, and a source of
curiosity for other travelers who wish to explore history and heritage. Religious beliefs
influence Muslims to travel to particular places, their choice of travel destinations, their
attitudes and behaviors, and possibly their emotions at those sites. A common motivation for
Muslim tourists is to understand their own heritage, history, and cultural roots.

The mosque is both a symbol of Islam and a place of worship and different mosques can be
tourist attractions if they are unique and outstanding. Throughout the centuries, mosques have
developed from simple structures with earthen floors to stunning works of art. According to
Kessler, many mosques have become not just houses of prayer, but tourist attractions and some
manage to establish a dual usage and purpose. Some tourists are inspired by the presence of a
mosque without actually entering the building, as mosques in Muslim countries form part of
the scenery and the sense of place. As such, Muslim and non-Muslim tourists may visit a
mosque as part of their holiday without any religious motivation.

1.3 Characteristic of Mosque tourism

• 1.3.1 Characteristic of Mosque tourism

In my opinion, the mosque is a symbol of Islam and the center of both religious and
community activities in the place it is constructed. A mosque symbolizes the religious
expression of a place and culture through its architecture and design. Prevailing mosque
designs differ from country to country as they are influenced by local cultures. This motivates
tourists to engage in mosque tourism. This could be an international source of knowledge for
both Muslim and non-Muslim tourists to study the local Muslim culture. For Muslim residents,
the mosque is part of their spiritual belief system and a way of life, whereas for outsiders and
non-Muslims, it is a part of the tourists’ gaze and cultural attraction. For the latter, the mosque
is an ‘unusual place’ to discover.

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1.4 Advantages of Nature tourism
• 1.4.1 Advantages of Mosque tourism
Among the advantages available in the Mosque tourism is part of religious tourism and
managers and policy makers are showing interest in the promotion of mosques as tourist
attractions. In fact, the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba was among the top ten destinations for
tourists visiting this country in 2017. Mosques are heritage sites and, as such, are a touristic
resource. Overall, academic literature on mosque tourism is very scarce. Studies about this type
of tourism are varied, and investigate different areas such as, employment, documentation, or
the management of Muslim heritage.

Considering the attractiveness of mosques for Muslim and non-Muslim tourists, many
countries particularly those in the Middle East have engaged in tourism planning to promote
their heritage and historical mosques with the intention of attracting tourists. Countries such as
Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt have a long tradition of religious and
cultural tourism and have built colossal mosques with magnificent architecture.

1.5 Method of Survey

• 1.5.1 Method of Survey

Based on the survey method, which has been given an assignment from Mrs. Hidayah to
make a survey of interesting places on mosque tourism. I use the online survey method in
google form to get surveys from the public, a minimum survey of 50 people is required.
Based on the response given by the public, Alhamdulillah I managed to pass the minimum
level. In total, I got a total of 52 responses from people who took the survey and I got all sorts
of interesting responses from all of them. Among the reasons I use the online survey method
is because as we know it at the moment is the Covid-19 era. In this case, we plan to do the
survey online just because to prevent the outbreak of the virus from spreading and being able
to infect us and our families. Therefore, we take the initial initiative in a careful way to save
our loved ones. If Mrs. Hidayah would like to see my survey method, I will include my
GoogleForm link below:-

https://forms.gle/nYyjNCbtoGUdFrZNA

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2.0 MOSQUE TOURISM ATTRACTIONS
• 2.1 Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, Iran

Sources : Online Website

• 2.1.1 Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, Iran
One of the most elegant and most photographed pieces of architecture in southern Iran, the
Pink Mosque was built at the end of the 19th century and its coloured tiling (an unusually
deep shade of blue) is exquisite. There are some particularly fine muqarnas in the small outer
portal and in the northern iwan, but it is the stained glass, carved pillars and polychrome
faience of the winter prayer hall that dazzle the eye when the sun streams in.

The mosque attracts most visitors early in the morning (9am to 11am is best) when the hall
and its Persian carpets are illuminated with a kaleidoscope of patterned flecks of light. It
makes for a magical experience – and an irresistible photograph.

A museum in the opposite prayer hall opens into the Gav Cha (Cow Well), where cows were
used to raise water from the underground qanat. The structure has survived numerous
earthquakes, due in part to its construction using flexible wood as struts within the walls –
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look for the wooden bricks in the iwan columns. The rose-pink floral tiles are a signature
feature of Shiraz.

• 2.2 Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi

Sources : Online Website

• 2.2.1 Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one the world’s largest mosques and a massive
architectural work of art that intentionally blends different Islamic architectural schools. It
features 82 domes, more than 1,000 columns, 24-carat-gold gilded chandeliers and the
world's largest hand-knotted carpet. The main prayer hall is dominated by one of the world’s
largest chandeliers.

The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan built this mosque to convey historic consequence
and to embody the Islamic message of peace, tolerance and diversity. He intended that the
Grand Mosque be a living reference of modern Islamic architecture that links the past with the
present and creates a place of Islamic science and learning that would reflect genuine Islamic
values.

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 • 2.3 Sultan Ahmet Mosque, Turkey

Sources : Online Website

• 2.3.1 Sultan Ahmet Mosque, Turkey

The mosque is such a popular attraction that admission is controlled in order to preserve its
sacred atmosphere. Only worshippers are admitted through the main door; visitors must use
the south door (follow the signs). The mosque is closed to nonworshippers for 30 minutes or
so during the five daily prayer times – two hours before dawn, dawn, midday, mid-afternoon,
sunset and right before the last light of the day – and is also closed for cleaning on Friday
mornings. Note that the Friday midday prayers are longer than the usual prayer time so as to
accommodate a weekly sermon. Women who don't have a headscarf or are considered to be
too scantily dressed will be loaned a headscarf and/or robe.

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 • 2.4 Jama Masjid, India

Sources : Online Website

• 2.4.1 Jama Masjid, India

The Jama Masjid, another favorite tourist attraction is situated opposite the Red Fort in the
capital city- Delhi. Built by Shah Jahan, the Jama Masjid exhibits another Mughal architectural
splendor. The mosque is known to be one of the largest and oldest in India. The Jama Masjid
is open to tourists on all days except the prayer intervals. At the mosque the tourists are
requested to open their shoes and cover their feet and arms before entering Jama Masjid. It is
done as an act of reverence for the Muslim faith. The Id-ul-Fitr and the Id-ul-Zoha are the two
very special events attract tourists and devotees from all over the world.

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 • 2.5 The Great Mosque of Xi'an, China

Sources : Online Website

• 2.5.1 The Great Mosque of Xi'an, China

Bigger than many temples in China, the Great Mosque is a gorgeous blend of Chinese and
Islamic architecture and one of the most fascinating sacred sites in the land. The present
buildings are mostly Ming and Qing, though the mosque was founded in the 8th century. Arab
influences extend from the central minaret (cleverly disguised as a stumpy pagoda) to the
enormous turquoise-roofed Prayer Hall (not open to visitors) at the back of the complex, dating
from the Ming dynasty.

It's a beautiful place to visit in spring, as the white and pink magnolias burst into bloom; in the
slow season, the mosque can also be a haven of solitude and an oasis of tranquillity in a very
busy area of the city.

Facing west (towards Mecca) instead of the customary south, the mosque features classic
Chinese temple features, including spirit walls, designed to keep demons at bay, stelae on the

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backs of antediluvian bixi (mythical tortoise-like creatures usually seen populating Confucian
temples) and memorial arches, not to mention the glazed-tile Chinese-style roofing. The
gardens, too, with their rocks, pagodas and archways are clearly Chinese. The presence of the
mosque's white-capped Hui custodians is a constant reminder, however, of its Muslim purpose.

• 2.6 Hagia Sophia Mosque, Turkey

Sources : Online Website

• 2.6.1 Hagia Sophia Mosque, Turkey

Hagia Sophia, which is one of the historic areas of Istanbul, was constructed between 532 -
537 AD. It is a remarkable achievement in the history of architecture, a living proof of
mankind's revolt against the laws of physics and a monument whose importance transcends
borders. As one of the world heritage sites in Istanbul, Hagia Sophia continues to attract
millions with its majestic grandeur and beauty.

Hagia Sophia is so magnificent in appearance that people of the time believed that the church
could not have been built by human hands alone but only with the help of spiritual support.

Dominating Istanbul's skyline, this quaint edifice has been expanded and restored several times
throughout the centuries. Hagia Sophia has always been unique as an architectural piece from
the first day it was built. It is not only renowned for its magnificent religious architecture but
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also for its superb exquisite Byzantine mosaics and fine examples of unique Ottoman
calligraphy.

3.0 MOST PREFERRED HAGIA SOPHIA MOSQUE, TURKEY

OUTBOUND TOURISM ATTRACTIONS BY MALAYSIAN

Based on the responses given by them, the majority of the responses from the responses found
that they have chosen Hagia Sophia Mosque, Turkey as their favorite tourist spot.This is
because there are 22 People who chose this place, Most respondents from the online survey
said they were very love this mosque which has a past history and its unique mosque shape.

Figure 3.1 Gender

• The following are the gender result responses to the online survey of the Mosque Tourism
Places chosen by them. Gender results were found to be more Male than Female. Males
responded as many as 27 people (51.9%) while Females as many as 25 people (48.1%)
responded in my online survey.

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 Figure 3.2 Occupation

Mosque Tourism Survey

Mosque Tourism Survey

25

20

15

10

0
NASIR AL-MULK SHEIKH ZAYED SULTAN AHMET JAMA MASJID, THE GREAT HAGIA SOPHIA
MOSQUE, IRAN MOSQUE, ABU MOSQUE, TURKEY INDIA MOSQUE OF MOSQUE, TURKEY
DHABI XI'AN, CHINA

Figure 3.3 Mosque Tourism Survey

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4.0 CONCLUSION
• 4.1 Conclusion
Tourism and religion are closely linked, and religion has become a powerful motive for
traveling. Festivals and religious events, religious buildings, and rituals are among the
important tourist attractions for the followers of particular systems of belief, and a source of
curiosity for other travelers who wish to explore history and heritage. The mosque is both a
symbol of Islam and a place of worship and different mosques can be tourist attractions if they
are unique and outstanding. Throughout the centuries, mosques have developed from simple
structures with earthen floors to stunning works of art. In my opinion, the mosque is a symbol
of Islam and the center of both religious and community activities in the place it is constructed.
For the latter, the mosque is an ‘unusual place’ to discover. Among the advantages available in
the Mosque tourism is part of religious tourism and managers and policy makers are showing
interest in the promotion of mosques as tourist attractions. Considering the attractiveness of
mosques for Muslim and non-Muslim tourists, many countries particularly those in the Middle
East have engaged in tourism planning to promote their heritage and historical mosques with
the intention of attracting tourists.

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5.0 REFERENCE

• 5.1 Reference

Ahmad, A.G. (1999). The architecture styles of mosques in Malaysia: From Vernacular to
modern structures. Paper presented at the Symposium on Mosque Architecture, King Saud
University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 31 January – 3 February (pp. 147-163).
Ahmad, Z.A. & Buyong, M. (2017). Content analysis of online news portal: Issues and
challenges [Special issue]. Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2, 164-174.
Aljunied, K. (2018). “Not just a house to honour God”: Mosques in the Malay world as
Cosmopolitan spaces. GJAT, 8(1), 43-55.
Aziz, M. A., Ibrahim, M., Jahnkassim, P. S. & Abdullah, A. (2016). Issues and potential of
mosque as a spiritual tourism destination in Malaysia. Proceedings of ISER 22nd
International Conference (pp.1-6), Hong Kong.
Azmi, E. & Ismail, M.Z. (2016). Cultural heritage tourism: Kapitan Keling Mosque as focal
point and symbol identity for Indian Muslim in Penang. Procedia – Social and Behavioural
Sciences, 222, 528-538.
Boettger, R.K & Palmer, L.A. (2010). Quantitative content analysis: Its use in technical
Communication. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication, 53(1), 346-357.
David, A. (2017, Oct 9). Greater preservation efforts needed for popular mosques. New
Straits Times. Retrieved from https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2017/10/289086/greater-
preservation-efforts-needed-popular-mosques.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342122243_Factors_Contributing_to_Mosque_Tou
rism_in_Malaysia#:~:text=Mosque%20tourism%20includes%20Muslim%20and,non%2Dreli
gious%20visits%20to%20mosques.

https://arrow.tudublin.ie/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1098&context=ijrtp

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7707557/

https://myjms.mohe.gov.my/index.php/ijssr/article/view/8350

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/iran/central-iran/shiraz/attractions/masjed-e-nasir-al-
molk/a/poi-sig/451431/361016

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/turkey/istanbul/attractions/blue-mosque/a/poi-
sig/402096/360887

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https://www.lonelyplanet.com/iran/central-iran/shiraz/attractions/masjed-e-nasir-al-
molk/a/poi-sig/451431/361016

https://www.tourism-of-india.com/jama-masjid.html

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/shaanxi-shanxi/xian/attractions/great-mosque/a/poi-
sig/475748/356065

https://www.goturkeytourism.com/things-to-do/hagia-sophia-mosque-istanbul.html

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