Memorial Mosque on Poklonnaya Hill

The Memorial Mosque on Poklonnaya Hill occupies a special place among the religious buildings of Moscow. Erected in memory of the Muslim soldiers who gave their lives for the Motherland during the Great Patriotic War, it has become an important spiritual center for the Muslim community of the capital and one of the recognizable landmarks of Victory Park.

History of the Creation of the Memorial Mosque

The idea of building a second mosque in Moscow emerged in the mid-1990s, when the city authorities realized the need to provide the Muslim community — numbering about two million people — with a worthy place to perform religious rites. The initiative of the Moscow government and the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the European Part of Russia received support from the well-known philanthropist Faiz Gilmanov, who financed the design and estimate stage of construction.

Overcoming Difficulties

The path to implementing the project was not easy. A number of public and political organizations opposed the construction of the mosque on Poklonnaya Hill, sending appeals to the Presidential Administration and the State Duma. Deputies of the Moscow Regional Duma actively resisted the construction. However, the firm position of Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov made it possible to bring the project to completion. Construction took place from 1995 to 1997 with financial support from the governments of Tatarstan, Bashkortostan, Adygea, and Kazakhstan. The grand opening of the mosque took place on September 6, 1997, in the presence of high-ranking guests from Russia, CIS countries, and foreign states, including presidents of the republics and representatives from Kuwait, the UAE, Turkey, and Pakistan.

Architectural Features and Exterior Appearance

The author of the mosque project was Moscow architect Ilyas Tazhiev, who masterfully combined elements of various architectural schools of the Muslim East in a single building. The appearance of the structure harmoniously intertwines Tatar, Uzbek, North Caucasian, and Turkish motifs, creating a unique architectural ensemble.

Exterior Design

The building is made of red decorative brick with elegant white stone finishing, giving it a solemn yet refined appearance. The central dome has a characteristic ribbed conical shape, 30 meters high, topped with a gilded sphere and crescent. This design, unusual for classical mosques, makes the structure easily recognizable. A 60-meter-tall minaret rises on the southeastern side of the building. According to legend, its architectural form repeats the shape of the minarets of the ancient Kazan mosque destroyed by the troops of Ivan the Terrible during the capture of Kazan. At a height of 50 meters there is a circular muezzin’s platform from which the call to prayer sounds five times a day.

Interior Decoration of the Prayer Halls

The interior of the mosque impresses with its elegance and attention to every detail. The prayer hall, measuring 10 by 15 meters, is faced with white marble, creating an atmosphere of purity and tranquility. The hall’s vaults are supported by eight massive columns decorated with exquisite carving in white stone.

Decorative Elements

Particular attention is drawn to the central chandelier, four meters in diameter, made in the shape of a traditional Islamic crescent. This lighting element has become a true highlight of the interior. For decorating the columns and internal partitions, craftsmen used carved ganch — specially treated gypsum typical of the Central Asian architectural tradition. Along the perimeter of the hall on the second level are galleries for women, in accordance with Islamic traditions of separating worshippers. The mihrab — the niche indicating the direction to Mecca — is richly decorated with ornaments. Next to it is the minbar — the imam’s pulpit from which Friday sermons are delivered. The floor of the prayer hall is covered with carpets, and all visitors remove their shoes at the entrance in accordance with religious canons. Beneath the main prayer hall are utility and auxiliary rooms, classrooms, and imams’ offices.

Religious Life and Activities of the Mosque

The Memorial Mosque is an active religious center where the five daily prayers are performed. It is especially crowded during Friday prayers and on Muslim holidays — Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr — when the two existing halls cannot accommodate everyone who wishes to attend.

Educational Programs

A madrasa — a spiritual educational institution — operates at the mosque, where students study the fundamentals of Islam, the Arabic language, and religious sciences. There is also a Sunday school for adults and children that teaches the Quran, the history of Islam, and the moral foundations of the religion. Sermons are delivered in Russian and Arabic, making them accessible to a wide audience. The mosque hosts important religious ceremonies:

• Nikah — Muslim marriage ceremony
• Naming ceremonies for newborns
• Funeral prayers
• Religious consultations

Since 2012, the imam-khatib of the mosque has been Rinat Alyautdinov, a well-known Islamic theologian and public figure.

Practical Information for Visitors

Address and Transport Accessibility

The mosque is located at: Moscow, Minskaya Street, 2B, on the territory of Victory Park on Poklonnaya Hill. You can reach it in several ways:

• Metro: “Park Pobedy”, “Kutuzovskaya”, “Slavyansky Bulvar” stations
• Buses: routes No. 157, 205, 91 to the “Poklonnaya Gora” stop
• On foot from “Park Pobedy” metro station — about 5–7 minutes

Opening Hours for Tourists

The mosque is open for visits from 10:00 to 21:00 daily, except during prayer times. Entry to the territory of Poklonnaya Hill and the mosque itself is free. Tourists are allowed inside only between the five daily prayers. The prayer schedule changes depending on the season, so it is recommended to check the current times on the official website before visiting.

Visiting Rules and Dress Code

The mosque is open to people of all faiths, but certain rules must be observed:

1. For women: head must be covered with a scarf, clothing must cover arms and legs, trousers and shorts are not allowed, long skirts or dresses are recommended
2. For men: closed clothing is preferred, shorts and sleeveless shirts are not recommended
3. Shoes: everyone must remove shoes at the entrance; it is advisable to bring a bag for them
4. Behavior: silence must be maintained inside, no loud talking or noise
5. Photography: taking photos inside is undesirable, especially of people, due to the Islamic prohibition on depicting living beings

Guided Tours

The mosque is regularly included in sightseeing tour routes around Poklonnaya Hill and Victory Park. Professional guides talk not only about the architectural features of the building but also about Islamic culture, Muslim traditions, and the history of the memorial complex. Visiting with a guided tour helps avoid awkward situations due to unfamiliarity with religious norms and provides the maximum amount of information about the landmark.

The Mosque as Part of the Memorial Complex

Poklonnaya Hill is a place of remembrance for heroes who gave their lives for Russia in various wars. Victory Park was solemnly opened in 1995 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Along with the memorial mosque, the Church of St. George the Victorious and a memorial synagogue are located here, symbolizing the unity of the peoples who defended the country.

Symbolic Significance

Among the defenders of the Motherland during the Great Patriotic War were many Muslim soldiers from various regions of the Soviet Union. They fought on all fronts, displaying courage and heroism. The Memorial Mosque became a tribute to their feat and a reminder that Victory was achieved through the joint efforts of representatives of different nationalities and faiths. Today, the mosque on Poklonnaya Hill is not only a place of religious worship but also an important architectural object that attracts tourists from all over the world. Its elegant silhouette has become an integral part of the panorama of Victory Park, and the colorful Eastern architecture harmoniously complements the monumental ensemble of the memorial complex.

Tips for Independent Visitors

If you plan to visit the mosque on your own, consider the following:

• Check the prayer schedule in advance on the official website or call the mosque
• Choose appropriate clothing at home to avoid being denied entry
• Bring a bag for your shoes
• Show respect to worshippers and mosque staff
• If you want to take photos, do so outside the building
• Combine your visit to the mosque with a walk through Victory Park and viewing other monuments

The Memorial Mosque on Poklonnaya Hill is a unique combination of spirituality, history, and architectural mastery. Visiting this place allows you not only to touch Islamic culture but also to pay tribute to the heroes thanks to whom we live in peacetime.