The Kol Sharif Mosque (Russia)
The Kol Sharif Mosque (Russia)
The Kol Sharif, located in Kazan
Kremlin, was reputed to be at the time of its
construction the largest mosque 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 Qols harif who served there. Qol sharif 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. 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 Qol sharif
mosque, namely Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates. Qol sharif is considered
to be one of the most important symbols of Tatar aspirations