Kazan is rightfully considered the cultural center of Islam in the Russian Federation. There are about 20 large mosques in the capital of Tatarstan. No wonder the main architectural complex of the city, the Kazan Kremlin, was included in the list of objects under the auspices of UNESCO. In addition, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan recently celebrated its millennium.
Mosques of Kazan
Practically all Muslim prayer architectural structures of the capital were built before 1917. Many of them were subsequently closed or reconstructed. Today, the main mosque in Kazan is located in the capital's Kremlin. It was erected in honor of the famous imam-seid named Kul Sharif. The Kremlin mosque impresses with its scale and color. Also known throughout the Islamic world are the prayer buildings of Marjani, Yardem, Nurulla, Iske-Tash and many others.
In total, there are more than two dozen mosques in the city: Apanaevskaya, Golubaya, Burnaevskaya, Galeevskaya, Azimovskaya, Sultanovskaya, Kazakovskaya, Belaya, etc. The oldest of them is the Second Cathedral. This is the second name of the Apanaevskaya mosque. It was built back in 1771year. For a long time, since the 1930s, the mosque was used for social purposes, like a kindergarten. However, after a major restoration in 2011, the Second Cathedral reopened to parishioners. In addition, the Zakabannaya and Powder Mosques of Kazan are popular with Muslims. The addresses of all city prayer services show that they are located along the perimeter of the entire capital. This was done for the convenience of parishioners from different parts of Kazan and all of Tatarstan.
Kul Sharif Mosque
This main architectural asset of the city is located within the famous Kazan Kremlin. The first stone in the foundation of the modern temple was laid in 1996. The grand opening was timed to coincide with the 1000th anniversary of the capital. The height of the temple reaches 58 meters. The architectural complex includes 4 grandiose minarets. The dome is decorated with a "Kazan hat", which in ancient times was the crown of the khans. The exterior is completely made in accordance with local traditions and culture. This is noticeable in the decor of the minarets, and the main gates, and solemn arches, and powerful columns.
Inside the main mosque in Kazan is decorated with huge crystal chandeliers, unique stained-glass windows, gilding and mosaics. The floor and counters are made of pure marble and granite brought from the Urals. One of the features of the temple are two massive viewing balconies, which often host tours. In addition to the mosque itself, the complex includes the Museum of the History of Islam and the Imam's office. At night, the temple is lit up with thousands of colored lights. For todayToday, many of the world's famous mosques cannot compare to Kul Sharif in terms of scale, opulence and grace. The temple is rightfully considered one of the paramount Muslim prayers in Europe.
Al-Marjani Mosque
This architectural structure is located in the Old Tatar settlement of the capital, near the lake Nizhny Kaban (address - K. Nasyri St., 17). The Marjani Mosque (Kazan) is a historically significant temple of the entire Islamic people. The first version of the building was erected at the end of the 18th century by order of Catherine II. The construction cost the treasury 5,000 rubles, which at that time was unimaginable money.
In its modern form, the mosque is made in the best traditions of medieval Tatar architecture. During the reconstruction, great attention was paid to such a style as baroque. Despite the fact that the building is only two floors, the minaret rises up three tiers. The temple got its name in honor of Imam Marjani, who served in it for 39 years until 1889. Inside and outside the mosque is decorated with gold tips and crescents. All walls and vaults of the interior are decorated with light ornaments and stucco.
Yardham Mosque
This prayer complex is notable for the fact that on its territory there is a Rehabilitation Center for the Blind. The honorary imam of the temple is Ildar Bayazitov. He also concurrently holds the post of Deputy Mufti of Tatarstan.
The Yardem Mosque (Kazan) is currently the only Islamic organization in Russia thatreceived the National Volunteer Award. Today, the temple is considered the main patron of people with disabilities from all over the city and even the Republic. The building itself is made in a restrained style. The exterior is unremarkable. Inside the temple is decorated in warm colors. The interior is noticeably different from the usual Islamic prayers in its minimalism. The mosque is located on Serov Street, 4a.
Nurulla Mosque
This religious building is a building of two floors. The approximate date of construction is the end of the 1840s. Nurulla mosque in Kazan has a spacious hall with a deep colorful dome. The minaret consists of three tiers and is located above the southern entrance.
The exterior of the temple is decorated with ornaments typical of the medieval Middle East. Until 1908, the imam-khatib of the mosque was a well-known public figure Gabdulla Apanaev, who was also the owner of the Azat publishing house. After his departure, the temple was closed and partially destroyed by order of the authorities of Tatarstan. And only in 1992 the Nurulla mosques regained their former grandeur and significance. Toward the end of the 1990s, the temple was completely reconstructed.
Iske-Tash Mosque
One of the few functioning historical Muslim churches in the Novo-Tatar settlement was built in 1802.
According to legend, the Old Stone Mosque in Kazan existed in the middle of the 16th century. Then in its place was a huge mass grave for the soldiers who defended the city from the army of Ivan the Terrible. As a result, the old stone, which played the role of a monument, became the first brick inthe foundation of a modern mosque. The three-level minaret is made in the style of classicism with its characteristic rigor and monochrome. The temple itself consists of two halls.
