Qolsharif Mosque

The Qolşärif mosque (pronounced ], also spelled Qol Sharif, Kol Sharif, Qol Sherif via Tatar: Колшәриф мәчете and Kul Sharif via Russian: мечеть Кул-Шариф) located in Kazan Kremlin was the largest mosque in Russia and, reputedly, in Europe outside Istanbul. As of 2009, reputedly, it's the second largest mosque in Europe (without Turkey) after Grozny Central Dome Mosque.

Originally, the mosque was built in the Kazan Kremlin in the 16th century. It was named after Qolşärif who served there. Qolsharif died with his numerous students while defending Kazan from Russian forces in 1552. It is believed that the building featured minarets, both in the form of cupolas and tents. Its design was traditional for Volga Bulgaria, although elements of early Renaissance and Ottoman architecture could have been used as well. In 1552, during the storming of Kazan it was destroyed by Ivan The Terrible.

Tatar scholars speculate as to whether some elements of Qolşärif mosque can be seen in Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow (8 minarets, a central cupola, not typical for Russian architecture). Since 1996 the mosque has been rebuilt in Kazan Kremlin, although its look is decisively modern. Its inauguration on July 24, 2005 marked the beginning of celebrations dedicated to the Millennium of Kazan.

Several countries contributed to the fund that was set up to build Qolsharif mosque. Namely, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates. Qolsharif is considered to be one of the most important symbols of Tatar aspiration to independence and liberty. Nowadays the mosque predominantly serves as Museum of Islam. At the same time during the major Muslim celebrations thousands of people gather there to pray.

The Qolsharif complex was envisioned to be an important cornerstone of Kazan architectural landscape. Besides the main mosque building it includes the library, publishing house and Imam's office.

References

External links

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Ahmed Arafat
11 August 2014
Lovely and moving!
Madhubrata ghosh
13 November 2016
Largest mosque in russia
Zosia Lutkiewicz
16 August 2015
Wow! Just wow.
Ivan
28 February 2015
Граница востока и запада. Очень удобно, что есть туристический вход, позволяющий наслаждаться красотой мечети не мешая верующим.
Владимир Василевский
Нереальная красота! Колоритно нахождение реликвий 2 цивилизаций в одном месте на территории казанского Кремля! Ради того, чтобы увидеть мечеть, стоило сюда ехать. Есть отдельный вход для туристов.
Екатерина Алексеева
Безумно красивая мечеть! Всем советую сходить, не пожалеете, войти можно всем независимо от вероисповедания.
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