A beautiful Muslim temple appeared in the capital of Tatarstan almost a hundred years ago. It became a reminder that during the early Middle Ages, the inhabitants of the Middle Volga region converted to Islam. Today, the ancient Zakabannaya Mosque is not only a well-known place of pilgrimage for Muslims, but also one of the popular attractions of Kazan.
Temple history
In 922, the powerful khan of the Volga Bulgaria made Islam the state religion, and all the inhabitants of the lands subject to him began to profess it.
At the beginning of the last century, the residents of Kazan began to prepare for the big anniversary - the 1000th anniversary of the adoption of Islam and organized a collection of donations for the construction of a new Muslim temple. The site for the future mosque was not chosen by chance. According to legend, it was here many centuries ago that one of the first temples of the city stood - the legendary Kulmametovskaya mosque.
Kazan architect A.E. Pechnikov made the project, and in 1912 the builders got down to business. However, before the outbreak of the First World War, they managed to erect only the building of the madrasah, and then the work was suspended. During the revolution and the Civil War, there was no time for religious buildings, so a new mosque was erected only in 1924-1926.
Unfortunately, the Muslim temple did not last long. In 1930, when there was an active struggle against religion in the country, the mosque was closed to believers. The city authorities knocked down a Muslim crescent from the minaret, raised a red flag and gave the building to various organizations. For many years, the former mosque housed a kindergarten, a school and the local branch of DOSAAF.
In 1991, the temple was returned to the believers. The mosque again began to conduct prayers and ritual ceremonies, and also opened an educational institution - a madrasah.
Architectural features and interiors
The picturesque mosque stands on the eastern shore of Lake Nizhniy Kaban, in the part of the city where Russians traditionally settled. It is a rectangular two-story red brick building with a massive four-pitched roof. Initially, there were two prayer halls inside the mosque: on the lower floor for men, and on the upper floor for women. Now prayer halls are located on the first floor, the second is occupied by classrooms.
A slender three-level minaret reflects three periods of life of Kazan Muslims - before the adoption of Islam, medieval and new. The octagonal tower stands on a high quadrangle and ends with a lancet dome with an exquisite carved cornice. The minaret noticeably dominates over other buildings, so the Zakabannaya Mosque is clearly visible from the neighboring streets and the opposite shore of the Lower Kaban Lake.
Oriental and Moorish motives are noticeable in eclectic architecture. The bright red walls are perfectly combined with the white trim of the windows, facades, as well as the green-painted roof and dome of the minaret. The old building is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful cathedrals and temples in Kazan.
Useful information for tourists
The mosque in honor of the 1000th anniversary of the adoption of Islam is often called "Jubilee". For believers, the doors of the temple are open from 3:00 to 22:00, and for everyone else - from 9:00 to 21:00. Tourists can get inside freely, except for the time of the prayer. Before entering the temple, it is necessary to take off your shoes. Women are allowed only in a headscarf and clothes that completely cover their shoulders and knees.
In addition to the madrasah, evening courses and a school for children and women operate at the Zakabannaya Mosque. Nearby are the beautiful Millennium Park and the popular pedestrian promenade - Bauman Street.
The temple is located on Hadi Taktash street, 26. A 15-minute walk to the mosque is possible from the Sukonnaya Sloboda metro station. Not far from the temple there is a small parking lot and a stop for city buses and trolleybuses - “Tufan Minnullina Street”.
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