The last imam of the khanate: “Kazan has no one else to expect help from, except for the Almighty and His angels. “The souls of our ancestors will not be pleased with us”: what is wrong with the Kul Sharif mosque? Kul Sharif Mosque where it used to be

"The main mosque of Tatarstan" and its shortcomings

Chairman of the Center for Islamic Culture "Iman" Nail Garipov is concerned that the pearl of Kazan - the mosque "Kul Sharif" - is a kind of museum in which worshipers act as "exhibits". In a column written for Realnoe Vremya, he reveals what is wrong with this iconic building and how these shortcomings can be corrected.

Women, trade...

The other day, on social networks, I turned to my subscribers, saying that today in the Kul Sharif mosque - the number one mosque of our republic - during prayer, tourists can safely be on the viewing balconies and take pictures. The note elicited mixed reactions. Some readers believe that there is nothing wrong with being watched during prayer. This, in their opinion, has a positive effect on the image of Islam and the Muslims themselves, who are often associated with religious terrorism.

I wrote my post because, to some extent, I also felt like a museum exhibit. I remembered the movie "Crocodile Dundee", where Mick J. Dundee earned money by showing crocodile hunting with the local natives. When there is no other work, such a trade is quite acceptable and causes nothing but a smile. Another thing is when the religiosity of people is paraded. If they do it voluntarily, then it is on their conscience. But in this case, this is not the case.

From the point of view of Sharia, I rely here on Hanafi fiqh. The mosque is predominantly visited by men. Women are allowed to visit the mosque, but this is not encouraged, especially for young and unmarried girls. This is stated in the work "Gibadat Islamiya" by the famous Tatar scientist of the early 20th century Ahmadkhadi Maksudi. The restriction is connected not only with ethical considerations, but also with physiological characteristics. As you know, on special days, women are forbidden to pray and touch the sacred Koran for Muslims, respectively, on these days it is forbidden to visit the mosque.

The mosque is predominantly visited by men. Women are allowed to visit the mosque, but this is not encouraged, especially for young and unmarried girls. Photo by Maxim Platonov

When we allow non-Muslims to visit mosques, we are not respecting our own laws in the first place, and thus showing disrespect for the mosque as a place of worship. This applies not only to tourists, but also to mosque workers. As you know, many women work in mosques today, who perform various functions in them.

Another aspect is trade within the walls of the mosque, the use of the “house of Allah” for other than its intended purpose, which is again not approved from the point of view of Sharia. The ban on trading in the mosque is mentioned in the hadith of the prophet Muhammad. The Messenger of Allah said: “If you see someone selling or buying in a mosque, say to him: “May Allah not give you profit in your trade.”

From the point of view of Sharia, we have no right to turn the mosque into a retail outlet to attract tourists. And it does not matter what to trade, it is important that the mosque is a place of worship to Allah Almighty. And this is its main purpose. And in principle, nothing is needed to create a positive image of Islam. Being a Muslim is not easy. A lot of things need to be limited. Therefore, the Qur'an says that not everyone will be merciful to Allah Almighty. Some will have their hearts sealed and will not have the opportunity to receive this mercy.

Kul Sharif was a seid, that is, a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. He was the spiritual leader of the Kazan Khanate, the head of the Yasaviya Sufi brotherhood. Photo kul-sharif.com

Who is Kul Sharif?

The issue of tourists and our attitude to the main mosque of the Tatars is connected not only with the field of law, but also with the history and national identity of this people. It was built, as you know, in memory of the great Sheikh Kul Sharif, who died a heroic death, defending the city together with shakirds during the assault on Kazan by the troops of Ivan IV on October 12, 1552.

Kul Sharif was a seid, that is, a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. He was the spiritual leader of the Kazan Khanate, the head of the Yasaviya Sufi brotherhood. Much is said about this in the Russian-language source "Kazan chronicler", which describes in detail the conquest of Kazan and the Kazan Khanate. In this connection, I would like to note that in the Kul Sharif mosque there is no exposition dedicated to this outstanding historical figure. Except for the name of the mosque and its pseudo-portrait, nothing indicates its connection with this building.

Also, in the museum of Islamic culture, located in the mosque, we will not learn anything about the Kazan Khanate and the historical figures of this period. What are they telling us here? And they tell us simply “about Islam”, about what it is like “in general”. Perhaps it is necessary for non-believers to know this. But does it make sense to conduct a tour of the school curriculum? This knowledge is quite available on the Internet.

In the museum of Islamic culture, located in the mosque, we learn nothing about the Kazan Khanate and the historical figures of this period. Photo by Oleg Tikhonov

But what we, and especially our youth, really lack is knowledge of the history and culture of our own people. Today, a part of the Tatar national movement is concerned about the adoption of the concept of the development of the Tatar people. A serious controversy arose around it, in which the chairman of the Spiritual Muslim Board of the Republic of Tatarstan, Kamil Samigullin, became involved, concerned about the lack of the concept of the Islamic factor. Basically, he is right.

Moreover, I believe that the Islamic factor should be the key factor in the new concept of the development of the Tatars. Why? Very simple. Tatar culture, which was formed over a thousand years, is permeated with Muslim ideology. Literally everything, from folklore to everyday culture. This was written by Valiulla Yakupov, who repeatedly appealed to the Tatar intelligentsia with a call to stop linking Tatar culture with paganism.

Many so-called pagan cults are actually not, and they are associated with another equally important Muslim component - Sufism. Therefore, we must first deal conceptually with our historical past. We are a people who spread knowledge about the religion of Islam. This is our historical mission and on this we must build our ideology.

Kamil Samigullin is concerned about the lack of Islamic factor in the concept of development of the Tatar people. Photo by Maxim Platonov

"The souls of our ancestors will not be pleased with us"

Returning to the issue of the mosque, I also wanted to touch upon such an aspect as the practice of ziyarat (commemoration of the dead) of the fallen defenders of the city. At one time, before the revolution, the Tatars specially came to the walls of the Kremlin for commemoration. They were not allowed inside the complex. They sat along the walls, read the Holy Koran and commemorated the dead Muslims in this territory.

In the memory of the people, the history of the fall of the city was preserved in fragments - mosques and madrasahs were destroyed, there was no direct written evidence left. Therefore, people restored all historical episodes from memory. In those years, many different legends and myths appeared. Therefore, the myth of Syuyumbika, who jumped from the tower, was born, although, as you know, the last Kazan queen was buried in Kasimov, where she spent the rest of her life. It's just that the people remembered where the Khan's mosque was located, and, realizing that the tower stands on the foundation of the mosque, they connected it with the minaret.

By the way, in Kasimov itself, the grave of Syuyumbike hanbika was established only presumably. But the people heroized their defenders so much that they did not want to agree that someone could survive in this confrontation. But there were survivors, and they made up the majority of the inhabitants of the Old Tatar settlement. They became the people who did not forget about their historical roots.

As you know, the last Kazan queen was buried in Kasimov, where she spent the rest of her life. Photo by Oleg Tikhonov

Turning to religion, we must remember that for the people, many symbols have a sacred meaning. If the Kazan icon is important for the Orthodox, then for Muslims the Kul Sharif mosque is a place of their memory and rebirth. Therefore, the Tatars must protect this particular mosque and fill it, first of all, with their presence and their prayers. And the creation in this place not of a museum of Islamic culture, but of the Kul Sharif Museum, the Museum of Islam in the Kazan Khanate, is a top-priority most important task.

We must start respecting ourselves, our culture, our history, our people and our language. This is the mercy and gift of Allah Almighty to us. We did not choose our nation. In the meantime, part of the Tatar youth is under the influence of pseudo-Salafis and foreign heresiarchs, and thereby neglects their history and does not recognize their ancestors as Muslims. And this leads only to one thing: the souls of our ancestors will not be satisfied with us, which means that Allah Almighty will not be merciful to us. They don't choose their homeland. The Almighty Allah gives us a homeland and a nation as an amanat (mercy), and we must cherish this mercy.

Nail Garipov

What associations do you have with the word "Kazan"? Tatars, the Kremlin, the magnificently celebrated millennium of the capital, the Kul Sharif Mosque, unique in its architecture and unusual history. A city containing not only centuries of history and years of bloody battles, but also indestructible international friendship and interfaith unity. All this was united by the Kul Sharif Mosque, which turned ten this year. On it, we will take a virtual tour today and learn a few secrets that were previously covered in darkness.

The history of the creation of the most significant and recognizable Tatarstan mosque is unknown only to the lazy.

Let's go back to the tragic year 1552, when Ivan the Terrible went to war against Kazan. Seyid Kul Sharif fought heroically for his native land, but died during the assault. His offspring, a multi-minaret mosque, burned to the ground, also perished. The central mosque of the capital of the Kazan Khanate was completely destroyed, and the city itself lay in ruins, the fires did not stop. Only at the end of the 20th century was it decided to restore the famous mosque. And so, in 1995, the first president of Tatarstan, Mintimer Shaimiev, signed a Decree on the reconstruction of the mosque. A competition was announced, the results of which were summed up for the next year.

It should be noted that architects from all over the world sent their works, but Kazan specialists won. From that day on, the whole nation begins to live with the legendary images of the mosque dear to the heart. In the winter of 1996, a memorial sign was laid. A year later, in the spring, the foundations of the mosque are laid. The next three years are the interior design. And in the summer of 2001, spiers and domes were installed on the mosque. The grand opening took place on June 24, 2005.

The new mosque has become something special. This is not just the main mosque of Tatarstan and one of the largest mosques in Europe. This is not just a place to worship and connect with the Almighty. Kul Sharif has become a symbol of Kazan and the whole republic, an attractive place for Tatars from all over the world. The memories of the heroic defense of the mosque and its destruction are still alive in the memory of the people. The architects tried to recreate all the beauty and uniqueness of the mosque, to return it to culture, to history. The reconstruction was based on two ideas. Firstly, the reconstruction of the legendary mosque was an important moment for Tatarstan, which regained its statehood. In addition, it is the memory of the defenders of the Fatherland. The Kul Sharif Mosque is symbolic and has unusual forms in its architecture, which only attract the eye and fascinate even more.

11 symbols and secrets that shrouded the Kul Sharif Mosque

1. The main symbol is the place chosen for the reconstruction of the mosque, as if from the prompt of the Almighty. The courtyard of the Junker School became the new home for the Cathedral Mosque. As it turned out later, the mosque bypassed all the failures, faults and landslides that abound in another part of the Kremlin. The entire complex is oriented towards Mecca with amazing accuracy. In addition, the school, military parade ground and barracks symbolize military strength. Now the Kul Sharif mosque rises here, as a symbol of the change of eras.

2. This is the only mosque with 4 minarets, against the traditional one for Tatar religious institutions. However, the team of architects, who worked for many years on the reconstruction of the Cathedral Mosque complex, tried to bring its artistic image closer to Tatar architecture. The dome of the mosque has a shape reminiscent of the image of the crown khans of Kazan.

3. Kul Sharif is not just a mosque, but the whole complex, which includes a mosque, a memorial stone and an administrative building.

4. The Museum of Islamic Culture has been operating inside the mosque since 2006, one of the stands of which is dedicated to the five pillars of Islam, namely: Faith in Allah and that Muhammad is his messenger, prayer, uraza, zakat and hajj.

5. The layout of the mosque itself is also interesting.. The plan is presented in the form of two squares intersecting at an angle of 45 degrees and is a well-known Muslim sign, meaning "blessing of Allah."

6. The mosque is decorated with eight crescents, which corresponds to the number of minarets of the mosque destroyed in the 16th century.

7. In the design of the mosque, you can find an element of artistic decoration, traditional for Islam and for Tatars - a tulip, which so organically merged into the concept of reconstruction. This flower is an ancient Bulgarian symbol of rebirth and prosperity. In the form of a tulip, windows on the dome are cut.

8. On the inner dome of the mosque, the surah of the Koran “Ikhlas” is inscribed in Arabic script, and all 99 names of the Almighty are written on the walls, and the names of the prophets are written on the shamails.

9. The interior decoration and design of the Cathedral Mosque is unique in its essence. Here, visitors can find ceramic panels, murals made according to the technology of the 16th century, Roman mosaics, and hand-carved wood and stone. Stained-glass windows and colored glass, gilding and gold embroidery are pleasing to the eye.

10. It is worth noting that, perhaps, the whole world took part in the construction of the main Tatarstan mosque. Kul Sharif was erected by builders from Turkey, carpets that covered the floor of the mosque (2000 square meters long) were donated by the Iranian government, granite and marble to decorate the eight-minaret cathedral were brought from the Urals, and a colored chandelier was brought from the Czech Republic.

11. Opened in the summer of 2005, the Kul Sharif mosque has become not just a man-made monument to the history and skill of Tatar architects, but also embodied the idea of ​​interfaith unity in Tatarstan. Through architectural elements, the idea of ​​peace was expressed between the two confessions of the republic - the Muslim and Orthodox communities.

This year, the newly erected Kul Sharif mosque turned ten years old. During this time, she pleased the eyes of not only the inhabitants of the republic, but also the guests of the capital. In truth, this mosque alone can be traced and read like in a book the history of the Kazan Khanate.

Ilmira Gafiyatullina, Kazan

Kul Sharif Hadzhitarkhani (Astrakhan)- Imam, religious figure of the 16th century, poet, national hero of the Tatar people, who led in October 1552 from the troops of Moscow Prince John IV (Russian: Ivan the Terrible).

Kul Sharif in the last days of the life of the khanate was the head of the local Muslim clergy. Andrei Kurbsky, one of the commanders of Muscovy, describing the episode associated with the capture of Kazan by the Muscovites in 1552, calls Kul-Sharif in a European way "great bishop" of the khanate. In Kazan itself, Kul-Sharif was also often called the emir, that is, the leader of the local Muslims.

Judging by the sources, Kul Sharif, like his predecessor as head of the local clergy, Kul Mohammed, was from the clan of Crimean seids. For some time Kul Sharif lived in the Astrakhan Khanate. Hence his pseudonym Khadzhitarkhani, that is, "Astrakhan".

The most important work, the authorship of which is attributed by many researchers to Kul Sharif, is the work "Zafername-and Vilayet-and Kazan" (1550), Written mostly in prose with a few poetic digressions. In addition, the Kazan imam wrote a collection of munajat poems, signed with the pseudonym Khadzhitarkhani.

The era in which Kul Sharif lived was the tragic time of the death of the Kazan Khanate. The emir and the poet left behind lines describing the tragedy of his people. In particular, in "Zafername-i vilayet-i Kazan" Kul Sharif says about Kazan:

"The khanate has nowhere to wait for help and support, except for the protection of the Almighty and the help of angels. Because of such a difficult situation, the padishahs of the city of Kazan ensure the security of their state through an agreement with the country of infidels. It was like this: for the well-being of the people and for the sake of their lives, they concluded an agreement with Moscow, ambassadors went between the two sides, ensuring mutual understanding." "Zafername-i vilayet-i Kazan", 1550.

These lines were written in 1550, but already in April 1551 a new offensive of the Muscovites began, which surrounded Kazan in June.

"Difficult times came, and the Kazanians faltered: they sent "to Shigalei and to the governors to beat with a forehead, so that the sovereign would grant, give his anger to them, but did not order them to be captured, but would give them to the state of Tsar Shigalei, and Utemesh-Girey the sovereign took the king to himself and with the matter of Syuyunbik the queen" (Patriarchal Chronicle). With such a proposal to "mullah" Kul Sharif and the Tyumen "prince" Bibars Rastov came to Khan Shah-Ali and the Russian governors. But they did not act independently, but carried out the will of "the whole land of Kazan", which is clearly seen from the letter of the Kazanians sent then to Ivan IV. Only after the threats did the ambassadors accept the conditions of Moscow, among which was the demand to extradite Syuyumbike with her young son Khan. It is clear that there was no personal guilt Kul Sharif and Bibars were not involved in this - they carried out the national decision, and even then only as diplomats." Damir Iskhakov, "Leader of the Great: Warrior, Poet and Thinker Kol-Sherif".

As history has shown, the Muscovites did not even think of leaving Kazan alone, and the surrender of their khan and mother by the Kazan only spurred Prince John to further activities against the khanate.

In 1552 the Muscovites laid siege to Kazan. Despite the numerical superiority of the enemy, the city was defended for 41 days. A little more 30 thousand warriors resisted 150 thousandth army Prince John, equipped with the latest technical equipment. The capital of the Kazan Khanate lay in ruins and conflagrations.

During the assault, Kul Sharif was one of the leaders of the defense. With his disciples, he defended the hill, where there was a 400-year-old mosque with eight minarets. Together with its rich library, this mosque was considered the center of religious education in the Volga region. The invaders left no stone unturned from the building. Kul Sharif, like all his companions who defended the city, died in an unequal battle.

Tragic events of the 16th century

After a long defense, which lasted exactly 41 days, on October 2, 1552, the Russian army broke into Kazan. Historians call this defense heroic, since the huge 150,000-strong Moscow army led by Ivan the Terrible was opposed by no more than 30,000 soldiers and cavalry. The head of the clergy and the tsar of Kazan continued to inspire and inspire the Kazan people throughout the battle, no one even thought about surrendering Kazan. At that time Yediger-Khan ruled in Kazan. But the latest technical weapons of Ivan the Terrible brutally made their way into the burning city.

During the defense of Kazan, seid Kul Sharif was the main leader. His students offered stubborn resistance, but after the assault they all died heroically. Kul Sharif himself was also killed. The mosque was destroyed and burned down. The beautiful multi-minaret mosque of Kazan no longer towered on the hill.

The fire engulfed the entire city. The multi-towered mosque, near the walls of which Kazanians desperately defended themselves and defended themselves under the leadership of seid Kul-Sharif, almost completely burned down. The last battle killed all the defenders of the city. A defeated city appeared before Tsar Ivan the Terrible. He looked with surprise at the most beautiful palaces that could survive, and the fortification of the city. The king celebrated the victory and in honor of this, he ordered the construction of a memorial temple. The most beautiful St. Basil's Cathedral with nine towers has been revived in Moscow. And the central mosque of Kazan was almost completely destroyed. After the capture of the city, Kazan looked sad. All the defenders died, the city was almost completely burned down. The capital of the Khanate lay in ruins, the fires did not stop.

Much later, the Tatar philosopher, scientist and educator Sh. Marjani conducted a study in which he found out that there was once a cathedral mosque in the Kremlin, and seid Sharifkol was at the head of it. Sharifkol enjoyed respect and honor among religious figures. It was not only a scientist, but also a poet. Four hundred years ago, a magnificent and elegant mosque adorned Kazan. The library of the mosque was rich, and the beauty was indescribable. In his study, Marjani also noted that the mosque was the center for the development of science and religious education throughout the Middle Volga region in the 16th century. The mosque was named after Imam Seyid Kul Sharif.

Restoration of the Kul-Sharif Mosque

In those years when democracy was deployed in all its glory, the public began to raise the issue of restoring the famous Kul Sharif mosque. The Tatar people have been dreaming about this for centuries, and now, finally, the President of the Republic of Tatarstan has met them halfway. M.Sh. Shaimiev in the fall of 1995 decided to sign a Decree on the reconstruction of the mosque. In winter, a competition was announced in which the best project for the revival of the Kul-Sharif mosque was selected. The place for the construction of the building was determined where the Junker School used to be. A memorial sign was solemnly laid here, and in the spring of 1996 the competition was completed. In the summer, Russian President Boris Yeltsin visited this site, where a new mosque was to be built, and even promised to allocate some money for the construction. And since then, people have been living with ideas about the legendary image of the mosque and its leader, Kul Sharif.

The new mosque is not just the most important mosque in Kazan and one of the largest mosques in Europe. Kul-Sharif is a symbol of Kazan and Tatarstan, is an attractive center for all the Tatars of the world, one of the national images. The memory of the main mosque is still preserved in the memory of the people, which was once defended, and eventually burned to the ground. The architects restored the construction of the complex, imagining all the beauty and grandeur of the temple, trying to return it to their native culture. The main idea of ​​the reconstruction lay in architecture, and was of great historical importance. After all, this is the main mosque of Tatarstan and the entire Tatar people, who revived their statehood. Another idea was laid in the reconstruction. This is the memory of the defenders of the fatherland. The same role, for example, is played by St. Basil's Cathedral, which is located in Moscow, and the Mohammed Ali Mosque, which is located in Cairo. Both of these buildings appeared at a turning point in the countries. They are symbolic and have non-traditional forms, the architecture is unique. The new Cathedral Mosque of Kazan also possesses these qualities. No wonder this mosque is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The symbolism of the Kul-Sharif mosque

The most important symbol is the place chosen for the construction of the new mosque. This area was selected through a survey of experts. The courtyard of the former Junker School, it would seem, was prompted by the Almighty himself. Subsequently, it turned out that the mosque in some incomprehensible way bypassed all the numerous geological failures, faults and landslides that abound in the rest of the Kremlin. The complex is oriented towards Mecca with the highest precision. The project of four architects did not win in vain. The school, the barracks and the military parade ground symbolize the centuries-old military force that ousted the Tatars. And it is here that a cult complex has now been built, which embodies the change of different eras.

The artistic image of the whole complex has inherent semantic elements that brought the architecture of the mosque closer to the Tatar traditions. The composition is basically the same, but the legend about the tragic fate of the Kul-Sharif mosque is symbolically reflected here. The architects also introduced additional towers, thus bringing the mosque closer to the legendary image. And the dome has a shape that is associated with the image of the crown of the khans of Kazan. The President of the Republic of Tatarstan has repeatedly spoken about the Kul-Sharif mosque as a symbol of rebirth.

Chronology of the construction of the Kul-Sharif mosque

1990s The public of Tatarstan raises the issue of reconstructing the mosque. 1995 - Autumn. The President of the Republic of Tatarstan issues a decree on the reconstruction of Kul-Sharif on the territory of the Kazan Kremlin. 1995 - Winter. To recreate the mosque, a competition was announced among architects who were supposed to submit the best project. 1996 - Winter. The territory of the former Junkers School was chosen for construction. This winter, a memorial sign was solemnly laid. 1996 - Spring. The competition among architects has ended, the winners have been determined.

1997 - The foundation of the mosque is laid. 1998 - Architects begin to design the interior of the temple. The design ended in 2001. 1998 - Spring. The ground floor is almost complete. A monolithic concrete frame is created. 1999 - Metal constructions of minaret spiers and domes are made. All metal structures were produced by the local aviation school and the Vakuumash organization. 2001 - Spiers and domes were installed on the mosque. 2005 - Inauguration of the Kul-Sharif Mosque

Can you name the symbol of the historical "core" in Kazan? The Kul-Sharif Mosque is the only correct answer. Below we will tell you why. Read carefully.

“Head of the Valley” or “Leader of the Tribe (Clan)” – this is how the Arabic-Tatar concept “Kul-Sharif” is translated. And that was actually the name of the religious figure of the Kazan Khanate, who lived at the time of the conquest of this state by Moscow and led its defense (as we know, futile).

3D panorama of the Blue Mosque

During the described period of time, Kul-Sharif was the supreme imam of the Kazan Tatars. He belonged to the family of Sayyids (descendants of the Prophet Muhammad). Researchers believe: it is to the Crimean dynasty.

It is worth paying attention to the minaret temple, the place of which since 1996 began to be occupied by the complex of the cathedral (Juma) mosque under construction. The fact is that the primordial premises for worship were erected during the life of Kul-Sharif.

It had a different name and was considered in those days the architectural dominant of the entire Kazan Kremlin. And it was located in the western part. Judging by the old images, the then "House of God" had many towers.

Basically, the current structure copies its forerunner. But the drawings of travelers are very vague. And the designers thought out a lot themselves. In particular, it is not clear whether the old mosque had 6 or 8 minarets. The fact is that in the then khanate there were 8 provinces. Decor elements also remained a mystery.

The last page of the biography of the original temple was a fire that occurred during the breakthrough of Moscow troops into the city. In an unequal battle, both the mosque and the amir, after whom the current architectural ensemble was named, perished.

The name of the current juma is a tribute to the memory of this selfless person, who wisely resolved many disputes, political and religious differences. Kul Sharif is considered a “great hero”, and one orientalist considers him the author of the epic work “Zafername and vilayet-i Kazan”, dedicated to the history of the development of the khanate. Sayyid Kul Sharif was killed when he was on the roof of the cathedral, and the body was pushed down.

The decree on the construction of a new mosque was signed back in 1995 - personally by President Shaimiev. The project was selected as a result of a competition among architects. The joint work of a group of four specialists won - Latypov, Sattarov, Saifullin and Safronov.

Construction started after a few months of the preparatory cycle. And 10 years later the complex was completely completed. The opening of the Kul-Sharif mosque in Kazan took place as part of the celebration of the millennium of the city. It traditionally takes place on June 24th. 400 million rubles - just so much was spent on the construction of a complex of buildings. He was given the status of the current Museum of the Spread of Islam in the Volga region.

Features of the exteriors of the reconstructed complex

According to the responses, everyone who finds themselves in Kazan sees the Kul-Sharif mosque in the first place. After all, this is the pearl of the Millennium Square. It strikes with the scale of the structures, the richness of the texture and tectonics of the facades. The texture of finishing materials, as well as bright color combinations that create an atmosphere of some freshness (more on that below).

At the moment, memorable ones are waiting for you. 6 minarets 58 meters high (in 1996 they were the highest in the Russian Federation, now such glory has passed to the Muslim temple in the city of Grozny). By the way, the area occupied by the Sunni Cathedral is 10,000 square meters.

The main religious monastery has its own courtyard. It is located in the same (western) part of the Kremlin. Landscaping is connected with the former Junker School (the main staircase leads to it). Inside is the main building, which has two semi-pavilions attached to it. Four towers are built into the corners. Two away. On different sides.

There is also an administrative building. The style of all elements of the ensemble is the same - "Hanafi". In addition, it intersects with the canons of Tatar (more correctly, Bulgarian) civil engineering. Just look at all the buildings of the Kremlin. Each higher level is smaller, but has more facets.

As for the finishing materials, a spectacular combination of dazzling white marble (in the bright sun, the pinkish tint is almost invisible) and elements of a turquoise hue was used.

The mentioned colors personify purity and strict adherence to the letter of the Koran among the Hanafi. Turquoise replaces the ritual green color (after all, it is borderline in relation to blue and emerald). As for designers, for them such tones are the best way to convey a feeling of cleanliness and freshness. And it is!!!

The lower levels and the surface are made of beautifully textured granite. The main structure is crowned with spiers and a dome, traditional for all Islamic directions (by the way, the latter depicts an authentic Tatar hat…). 2 luxurious balconies were created specifically for panoramic views (after all, the building was originally conceived for tourists). Arched portals and lancet windows. Very high.

Finally, onyx and serpentine are used on some floors. Most of the rocks were mined in the Urals. In Kazan, the "Blue Mosque" (as the religious building was called by the people) has an impressive height of the domed space - it is as much as 39 meters. For comparison, the dome ends at the stratum of the 13th floor of a civil building.

The bronze inscriptions on the façade cite various Islamic wisdoms. Arabic script is used as a font (as the unified law prescribed for all schools of Muslim architecture).

Above the letters there is an elegant wrought-iron fence (on the roof of the semi-pavilions, which are considered the first level). Many facets are used in these rooms. The carved elements of the U-shaped friezes, turning over all the portals, are striking.

The picturesque meandering river Kazanka flows two steps away. From the shore you are lifted by a sidewalk with a curb of marble, where modern lamps are installed. The described space is designed for the simultaneous stay of 1.5-2 thousand believers. Another 10,000 people will freely stand on the platform in front of the building!

Paving slabs with green and red patterns symbolize the administrative paraphernalia of the Republic of Tatarstan. Each building has a backlight that gives the mosque a spectacular look even in the dark. Green decoration consists of flower beds, well-groomed lawn, trimmed trees.

The interior decoration of the elements of the ensemble

The interiors in the prayer and economic-administrative space are the fruit of the implementation of the thousand-year-old handicraft traditions of the Tatar people. You will see the masterpieces of the already named architects, artists (designers, masters of painting and specialists in Arabic script), stone carvers, engravers, blacksmiths, sculptors, cabinetmakers and masons. Many of them were essentially restorers.

Granite, onyx, serpentine and marble smoothly turn into carved hedges made of alabaster (ganch or ganja) or beautifully painted wood. And even higher - in colorful ornaments on attached canvases or in gilded ligature of Islamic texts. And for the most part, the main surahs of the Koran appear before us. They appeal to wisdom, kindness and austerity.

Stained-glass windows were used in the creation of glass for window openings. By the way, the windows of the dome itself are carved in the shape of tulips. And all due to the fact that among the Arabs the word "tulip" ("lale") is similar in letters to the idiom "in the name of Allah."

Some of the interiors are decorated with complex and bizarre mosaics (there are also such “applicants” in Kazan). The chandelier came here from the Czech Republic (you will see natural Bohemian glass). The carpets you will walk on are a gift from the Iranian government. The stucco work was created by an international artel of narrow specialists in oriental ornamental plastic.

The main building is divided into a turret for storing the Koran (the priest rises here), observation verandas, prayer halls for men and women, a museum (it is higher) and a room for preparing for nikah (the reader will learn about it later).

In addition to the administration and other personnel, full-time firefighters with all their simple equipment stay in an additional building (also domed, but single-level).

What tours are offered at the Kul Sharif Mosque?

Today, local guides and partner tour guides conduct several thematic excursions on the presented cultural territory. They have the following names:

• "Islamic civilization of the Volga region: from Bulgar to Kazan";
• "Kazan from the era of reformism to the present";
• "Flipping Quran";
• "The Life and Death of Imam Kul Sharif";
• "A lesson in an ancient madrasah";
• "View of the old Kremlin" (computer installation);
• "Singing Shamail (computer installation)".

Visiting Rules

If you want to go inside, then leave your shoes at the entrance (boot covers are allowed). The visitor's clothing must be closed. Hats must be present on the head of both women and men.

Representatives of the weaker sex cannot enter the male half and vice versa. In no case should you make a loud noise here, chew something, drink any drinks (especially alcohol) or smoke.

During prayer, the tourist should not distract the worshiper (it is generally not recommended to leave the viewing balconies - they are also present inside). Clicking camera shutters and flashes are also not welcome. They offend the feelings of believers.

• In the late 90s, the Kul-Sharif under construction was recognized as the highest mosque in Europe. But now it is losing in growth to several European religious buildings.
• In the library, arranged on one of the levels, there is a book where the names of everyone who donated funds for the construction of this juma are inscribed. And it's thousands of people.
• On the second floor of the main building, in 2006, the Museum of the Propagation of Islam in the Volga Region was opened. Just his employees conduct the tours described above. Here you will be told much more about the topic that was touched upon at the very beginning of the review.
• The ceiling (the inner part of the dome) was first decorated on canvas. They were attached to the top. The diameter of the chandelier is 5 meters. It is made in the form of a blossoming flower. Its weight is almost two tons. Of course, the design was delivered in small parts.

• In one of the rooms, nikah is held - a modest marriage according to Sharia law. The wedding reveals itself only with outfits. The ritual is gaining more and more popularity in the Tatar environment. At the moment, the newlyweds are booking rooms three months in advance!
• Lighting fixtures are located on five different levels of the building. As a result, at night it seems to float out of the darkness, being perceived much brighter than in the sun.
• In total, in the Kremlin (before the capture of the city by the troops of Ivan the Terrible) there were as many as five mosques.