Central Mosque, Almaty

The Central Mosque in Almaty is a significant symbol of Islamic culture and architecture in the region. It's one of the largest mosques in Almaty and Kazakhstan, designed to accommodate up to 7,000 worshippers. This impressive mosque was built on the site of an earlier Tatar Mosque dating back to 1890, which was unfortunately destroyed by fire in 1987.

Construction on the current mosque began in 1993 and lasted six years until its completion in 1999. It was overseen by architects Baimagambetov, Sharapiev, and Zharylgapov. By 2000, several enhancements were made, including the addition of Koranic verses on the dome, the installation of sound equipment, and renovations to the first floor. Modern equipment was also added to the mosque's offices, and the reading room received new wooden chairs. Architecturally, the mosque features a domed rectangular structure with a peshtak-style entrance, a large dome adorned with blue tiles, and white marble walls.

In 2001, the mosque was recognized as a historical and cultural monument of local importance. It has since undergone further embellishments, such as the decoration of the main dome with ceramic tiles in 2006 and later with gold plates in 2010-2011. The mosque can accommodate 3,000 worshippers simultaneously and is oriented towards Mecca.

Inside, the mosque boasts a distinctive mihrab and gleaming gold-domed minarets. The interior of the dome is adorned with colored mosaics inscribed with verses from the Koran, creating a spiritually rich atmosphere.

The Central Mosque of Almaty stands not only as a place of worship but also as a testament to Islamic art, culture, and architectural prowess in Kazakhstan.