Which Asian capital is home to the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque?

Which Asian capital is home to the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque? Bandar Seri Begawan. The mosque stands in the heart of Brunei’s capital and is one of the country’s most recognizable national landmarks.

Usually called the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, it was named for Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, the 28th Sultan of Brunei. Construction began in 1954, and the mosque was completed and officially opened in 1958. Its design draws strongly on Mughal architectural traditions, especially the prominent golden dome and formal symmetry.

The building is set beside a man-made lagoon on the Brunei River, with a ceremonial stone barge recalling the royal barges of Brunei’s past. Italian marble, granite, ceramic tiles, Venetian glass, and gold leaf contribute to its ornate appearance. The mosque can accommodate about 3,000 worshippers.

A common mix-up is to identify the city as Bandar Brunei, an older name used before the capital was renamed Bandar Seri Begawan in 1970. The mosque remains an active place of worship as well as a major visitor attraction; it is not merely a museum or monument.