Gallery
Description
Property Name: Kul Sharif Mosque
Inventory No: 7-8432-2
Date of infill of the inventory form: 2008-02-22
Country (State party): Russia
Province: Kazan
Town:
Geographic coordinates: 55° 47′ 54.16″ N
49° 6′ 18.76″ E
Historic Period: 16th century, 1st half
Year of Construction: 16th century, 1996-2005
Style: Contemporary, Volga Bulgarian
Original Use: Mosque
Current Use: Mosque, Museum
Architect: Unknown
Significance
Kul Sharif Mosque is the largest mosque in Russia and, reputedly, in Europe. Originally, the mosque was built in Kazan Kremlin in the 16th century. It was named by Qolşärif who served there. Qolşärif died with his numerous students while defending Kazan from Russian occupants in 1552. Nowadays, the mosque serves as a 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 the Kazan architectural landscape. Besides the main mosque building, the complex includes a library, a publishing house, and Imam’s office.
Selection Criteria
vi. to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance
State of Preservation
In 1552, during the storm of Kazan, the mosque was destroyed by the Russians. Since 1996 the mosque has been rebuilt in Kazan Kremlin. Its inauguration on July 24, 2005, marked the beginning of celebrations dedicated to the Millennium of Kazan.
References
Web sources