Qolsharif Mosque (Kazan, Russia)
Originally, the
mosque was built in the Kazan Kremlin in the 16th century. It was named after
Qolsarif, who served there. Qolsarif 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 Qolsarif 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. It
can accommodate 6,000 worshipers.
Several
countries contributed to the fund that was set up to build Qolsarif Mosque,
namely Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates. Qolsarif is considered to be one
of the most important symbols of Tatar aspirations.[citation needed] 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 Qolsarif
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.
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