Kazan, Russia
Coordinates: 55.798094, 49.105175
The Kul Sharif Mosque located in Kazan Kremlin, was reputed to be – at the time of its construction one of the largest mosques in Russia, and in Europe outside of Istanbul.
Originally, the mosque was built in the Kazan Kremlin in the 16th century.
It was named after Kul Sharif, who was a religious scholar who served there.
Kul Sharif died with his numerous students while defending Kazan from Russian forces in 1552.
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 Siege of Kazan it was destroyed by Ivan the Terrible.
Several countries contributed to the fund that was set up to rebuild Kul Sharif Mosque, namely Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates.
Nowadays the mosque predominantly serves as a museum of Islam. At the same time during the major Muslim celebrations thousands of people gather there to pray.
The mosque is upstairs and museum is downstairs.
The Kul Sharif complex was envisioned to be an important cornerstone of Kazan’s architectural landscape.
Besides the main mosque building it includes a library, publishing house and Imam’s office.
All throughout both the mosque itself and the museum are old Korans, art work, and artifacts that inform you about Islam.
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It’s a walkable distance from bauman street and kremlin. It’s really a best spot for picture taking and while relaxing esp during sunrise
You don’t have to be Muslim to enjoy this mosque, it’s obvious that they work very hard to inform people about Islam.
You can go up on the balcony and see where both the men and women pray, and then go down to the museum of Islamic Culture in the bottom. There is a small fee to get in, but it’s a wonderful experience.
Women should be aware that you do have to cover your knees and head. If you don’t bring a scarf with you, they will provide one, and they’re pretty relaxed about it, so don’t worry.
It’s a good idea to visit it in the evening also, it looks different, than in the daylight.
