Russia is home to some of the most impressive and iconic mosques in the world. From the grand and stately Sultan Mosque in the capital of Moscow to the striking Islamic Cultural Centre in the southern city of Astrakhan, the country boasts a diverse range of mosques that are both architectural feats and places of worship for its Muslim population. As the world’s largest country by landmass, Russia is home to numerous mosques, and it is no surprise that some of its most beautiful and noteworthy mosques can be found in this vast land.
In this article, we will explore the 10 best mosques to visit in Russia. From stunning interiors to stunning exteriors, we will provide you with a guide to the most exquisite mosques in the country, helping you to plan your own mosque-hopping tour of Russia.
Top Most 10 Mosques in Russia
You may be excited to know the top Mosques in Russia as below.
1. Sultan Mosque, Moscow
This iconic mosque is the largest in Moscow and one of the largest in Europe. Its impressive scale and intricate architecture make it a must-see for anyone visiting Russia’s capital city. Built-in the 1990s, the mosque was commissioned by the Government of the Republic of Tatarstan and was opened in 2011 to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of the region’s conversion to Islam. The building is a tribute to the region’s Muslim heritage and is a symbol of the revival of Islamic culture in post-Soviet Russia.
The mosque’s grand scale and ornate exterior are immediately striking. The domed roof, elegant minarets, and gilded crescent moon adorning the top of the building make this mosque stand out from the rest. Inside, visitors are greeted by the majestic main prayer hall, which is decorated with colorful Persian tiles, intricate carvings, and traditional Islamic ornamentation. Special visitors can also take a tour of the minarets, which offer stunning views of the city.
2. Juma Mosque, Kazan
Kazan is the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, and the Juma Mosque is a stunning example of Islamic architecture in this region. Located just a few blocks from the city center, this beautiful mosque is a symbol of the city’s Muslim heritage and is also an important cultural site for the Tatar people.
The mosque was built in the late 16th century and is the oldest mosque in Kazan. It has a striking façade, with its two onion-shaped domes rising up to the sky and its ornate minarets reaching out to the heavens. Inside, visitors are treated to the sight of the main prayer hall, which is decorated with colorful tiles and intricate Islamic carvings. The mosque also hosts a variety of events, including concerts and religious education classes, making it a popular destination for both travelers and locals.
3. Catherine Mosque, St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg is another Russian city that is known for its beautiful mosques. One of the most iconic of these is the Catherine Mosque, located in the center of the city. Built-in the 19th century, this mosque has an impressive blue-domed roof and two striking minarets. The interior of the mosque is also incredibly beautiful, decorated with traditional geometric designs and colorful tiles.
The mosque is dedicated to the Russian Empress Catherine the Great, who was an important patron of Islamic culture during her reign. The mosque not only serves as a place of worship for the city’s Muslim population but also as a symbol of the city’s diverse cultural history. It is a popular destination for tourists, and its location in the heart of the city makes it easily accessible.
4. White Mosque, Tyumen
The White Mosque in Tyumen is another architectural wonder in Russia. Located in the city’s old town, this mosque was built in the 18th century and is one of the oldest buildings in the area. The mosque’s exterior is white and features a unique onion-shaped dome and two towering minarets. Inside, visitors can admire the elaborate decoration, including the intricate wooden carvings and colorful mosaics.
The White Mosque is also a popular destination for religious tourists, as it is home to one of the oldest Islamic libraries in the country. Visitors can explore the many books, manuscripts, and artifacts housed in the library, gaining a deeper understanding of the city’s rich Islamic heritage.
5. Memorial Mosque, Makhachkala
The Memorial Mosque in Makhachkala is a grand and stately mosque located on the city’s main square. This mosque was built in the early 20th century and is a tribute to the soldiers who fought in World War II. Its grand dome and soaring minarets make it a stunning sight, and its interior is decorated with intricate Islamic carvings and colorful tiles.
The mosque is also home to the Makhachkala Islamic Cultural Centre, which holds regular events and classes in which visitors can learn more about the city’s Islamic heritage. The Memorial Mosque is a popular destination for religious tourists, and its central location makes it easily accessible.
6. Mosque of the Prophet, Astrakhan
The Mosque of the Prophet in Astrakhan is a spectacular sight. Located in the city’s central park, this mosque features a grand dome and two towering minarets. The mosque’s impressive exterior is matched by its equally impressive interior, which is decorated with intricate Islamic carvings, ornate chandeliers, and colorful tiles.
The mosque is also known for its Islamic Cultural Centre, which hosts a variety of events and classes on Islamic culture and history. Visitors can explore the cultural center, gain a greater understanding of the city’s Muslim heritage, and attend lectures and seminars on various aspects of Islamic culture.
7. Friday Mosque, Ufa
The Friday Mosque in Ufa is located in the city’s old town and is one of the oldest surviving mosques in the country. Built-in the 19th century, this mosque is a stunning example of Islamic architecture, featuring a grand dome and two towering minarets. The interior of the mosque is also beautifully decorated, with intricate carvings, colorful tiles, and ornate chandeliers.
The mosque is also home to the Ufa Islamic Cultural Centre, which hosts a variety of events related to Islamic culture, including lectures on Islamic history and culture, seminars on Islamic law, and courses on Arabic language and calligraphy.
8. Old Mosque, Kaliningrad
The Old Mosque in Kaliningrad is one of the oldest mosques in the city and is a popular destination for travelers and locals alike. Built-in the 18th century, this mosque features a grand dome, two majestic minarets, and ornate Islamic carvings. Inside, visitors can admire the mosque’s beautiful tilework and intricate wooden carvings.
The Old Mosque is also home to the Kaliningrad Islamic Cultural Centre, which hosts a variety of events related to Islamic culture, including lectures on Islamic history and culture, seminars on Islamic law, and courses on Arabic language and calligraphy.
9. Central Mosque, Samara
The Central Mosque in Samara is one of the most impressive mosques in the country. Built-in the 19th century, this mosque is a stunning sight, featuring a grand dome, two majestic minarets, and ornate Islamic carvings. Inside, visitors can admire the mosque’s beautiful tilework and intricate wooden carvings.
The Central Mosque is also home to the Samara Islamic Cultural Centre, which hosts a variety of events related to Islamic culture, including lectures on Islamic history and culture, seminars on Islamic law, and courses on Arabic language and calligraphy.
10. Cathedral Mosque, Yekaterinburg
The Cathedral Mosque in Yekaterinburg is one of the largest and most impressive mosques in the city. Built-in the 19th century, this mosque features a grand dome, two majestic minarets, and ornate Islamic carvings. Inside, visitors can admire the mosque’s beautiful tilework and intricate wooden carvings.
The Cathedral Mosque is also home to the Yekaterinburg Islamic Cultural Centre, which hosts a variety of events related to Islamic culture, including lectures on Islamic history and culture, seminars on Islamic law, and courses on Arabic language and calligraphy. The mosque also serves as a place for local Muslims to gather for worship, and its congregation is made up of people from all over the world.
These ten mosques are just a small selection of the many stunning mosques in Russia. From the grand Sultan Mosque in Moscow to the historic Friday Mosque in Ufa, these mosques are all impressive examples of Islamic architecture and culture. Whether you are a religious scholar or a tourist, a visit to one or more of these mosques will certainly be an unforgettable experience.
