Moscow Cathedral Mosque

The Moscow Cathedral Mosque is an outstanding architectural monument and the main Muslim temple of the Russian capital. Located in Vypolzov Lane, this majestic shrine is not only a place for religious rites but also an important cultural center attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world.

History of the Creation of the Cathedral Mosque: From Origins to the Present Day

Foundation of the First Mosque Building

The history of the Moscow Cathedral Mosque began in the early twentieth century, when the Moscow Tatar community urgently needed a spacious prayer house. In 1902, two benefactors — merchant Sabirzyan Bakirov and merchant Khabibulla Akbulatov — donated a plot of land in Vypolzov Lane to the Orenburg Mohammedan Spiritual Assembly. Construction of the temple progressed rapidly thanks to the generosity of Tatar merchant Salikh Yerzin, who took on the financing of the project. Architect Nikolai Zhukov designed a building capable of accommodating three thousand worshippers. The first service in the new mosque was held in 1904, just a few months after work began.

The Soviet Period and Special Status

After the revolutionary events of 1917, the fate of the mosque could have been tragic, but the building escaped destruction. Moreover, after the closure of Moscow’s first mosque on Bolshaya Tatarskaya Street in 1936, the temple in Vypolzov Lane received cathedral status and became the only functioning mosque in central Russia. The unique position of this shrine was explained by the foreign policy interests of the Soviet leadership. Moscow was actively establishing ties with Muslim states, and an operating mosque was necessary to receive high-ranking guests from Islamic countries. Dozens of leaders of Arab states and representatives of liberation movements visited here. Even for the 1980 Olympic Games, when large-scale construction of the Olimpiysky sports complex was planned, the mosque was preserved thanks to the intervention of Arab countries and local believers.

Large-Scale Reconstruction of the 21st Century

By the beginning of the new millennium, it became clear that the old building could no longer cope with the flow of worshippers. In 2005, the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation, with the support of the Moscow government, initiated a large-scale reconstruction. Initially, only renovation of the existing building was planned, but later a decision was made to completely demolish it and erect a new complex. To preserve historical memory, fragments of the old walls and the crescent from the minaret were integrated into the new structure. The grand opening of the renovated Moscow Cathedral Mosque took place on 23 September 2015 in the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and delegations from many Muslim countries. The project cost approximately 170 million dollars.

Architectural Features and Interior Decoration

Impressive Scale of the Structure

The new Moscow Cathedral Mosque impresses with its size and is one of the largest in Europe:

• The total area of the complex is 18,900 square metres — twenty times larger than the original building
• The capacity of the mosque reaches 10–15 thousand people, making it the largest Muslim religious building in Russia
• The main dome rises to 46 metres and has a diameter of 27 metres
• The two main minarets reach a height of 72 metres and are clearly visible from Olimpiysky Prospekt
• The building has six floors, three of which are intended for worship

Symbolism of the Architectural Solution

Architects Ilyas Tazhiev and Alexey Kolenteev created a project that combines various cultural traditions. The shape of the minarets simultaneously resembles the Söyembikä Tower of the Kazan Kremlin and the Spasskaya Tower of the Moscow Kremlin — this architectural solution symbolises the centuries-old friendship and unity of the peoples of Russia. The mosque’s dome is covered with 12 kilograms of gold leaf, referencing the traditional image of golden-domed Moscow. The domes feature crescents preserved from the old building of the early twentieth century.

Luxurious Interior Decoration

The interior of the Moscow Cathedral Mosque is a true masterpiece of decorative art:

• The walls are decorated with traditional Tatar ornaments, exquisite stucco work and bas-reliefs
• The inside of the dome is painted with golden Arabic script — Turkish artists hand-applied verses from the Quran
• The main prayer hall is illuminated by a grandiose crystal chandelier weighing more than 1.5 tonnes, created by fifty Turkish craftsmen in three months
• Approximately 320 wall and ceiling light fixtures of various shapes are used throughout the complex
• The colour palette follows a classic scheme dominated by white, sky blue, green, and emerald shades

The Government of Turkey presented valuable gifts to the mosque: carved ceremonial doors made of rare wood, hand-woven prayer carpets, and numerous crystal chandeliers.

Technical Equipment and Accessibility

The modern Moscow Cathedral Mosque features well-thought-out technical equipment. The building has seven elevators, ensuring comfortable movement between floors. For people with limited mobility, screens broadcasting prayers are provided, allowing participation from anywhere in the building. The mosque’s foundation is reinforced with 131 deep-penetration piles — necessary due to the proximity of the underground Neglinka River and a Moscow metro station. Canadian marble, which perfectly withstands temperature changes, was used for the exterior cladding.

Internal Organisation of the Mosque’s Space

Distribution of Premises by Floor

The six-storey building of the Cathedral Mosque has a well-planned layout:

1. First floor: cloakrooms, ablution halls, and technical rooms
2. Second floor: Museum of Islam and a conference hall with simultaneous interpretation booths for international meetings
3. Third floor: the main prayer hall, accommodating several thousand worshippers
4. In the left wing: a small prayer hall recreated from materials of the original mosque and exactly replicating its appearance
5. Upper level: women’s prayer hall with a separate entrance

Museum of Islam: Treasury of Spiritual Heritage

Since 2015, the Museum of Islam has been operating on the mosque grounds, featuring a unique collection of Islamic artefacts:

• Mother-of-pearl box in the shape of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem
• Model of the original mosque building made from authentic construction materials
• Facsimiles of the oldest handwritten manuscripts from Istanbul and Tashkent
• Fragment of the sacred covering of the Kaaba
• 19th-century antique Quran storage box brought from India
• Luxurious Quran made of pure silver

Tours and Visiting the Mosque

Tour Options

The Moscow Cathedral Mosque is open to visitors of all faiths. Guided tours are held daily except Friday, from 10:00 to 19:00. Group tours are organised five times a day: the first starts at 10:10, the last at 16:00. Duration is about one hour. Professional guides conduct tours in Russian or English, adapting content to the age of participants. Cost of a group tour: 150–350 rubles (Russian-speaking) or 450–550 rubles (English-speaking). Discounts apply for schoolchildren and pensioners. Private tours can be booked 2–3 days in advance at a convenient time. Cost: 2,000–9,000 rubles depending on group size. Tours in Italian, Tatar, or French are available by prior arrangement.

Tour Programme

During the educational tour, visitors:

• Admire the unique architecture and luxurious interior
• Visit the Museum of Islam with its valuable collection
• Learn about the history of construction and reconstruction
• Become acquainted with the fundamentals of Islam, the Five Pillars, and moral values
• Gain insight into the daily life of the Muslim community
• Can ascend a 30-metre observation platform with a magnificent view of central Moscow

Visiting Rules

• Dress code: women must cover their heads with a scarf; men and women must wear modest clothing covering arms and legs
• Shoes: must be removed before entering prayer halls; footwear is left in the cloakroom
• Photography: taking photos or videos of the guide or worshippers without permission is prohibited
• Behaviour: maintain silence, do not speak loudly or laugh inside the complex
• Restrictions: do not cross barriers inside prayer halls

A separate entrance for tourists is provided (not gender-segregated).

Additional Services

Café and Dining with Traditional Cuisine

Tatar cuisine establishments operate on the premises. The “Lyazzat” canteen and “Hayat” café offer traditional dishes and the option to organise tea parties or banquets. Menu and prices are available upon request by email. Next to them is a halal market selling fresh pastries and ready meals: echpochmak, samsa, smoked fat tail, homemade noodles, pishmaniye, and other delicacies.

“Barakat” Souvenir Shop

Visitors can purchase souvenirs:

• Religious literature and various editions of the Quran
• Traditional souvenirs with Islamic symbols
• Natural cosmetics based on oriental recipes
• Black seed oil and date palm pollen
• Gift sets featuring the mosque’s signature style

Tour participants receive a special discount.

Interesting Facts about the Cathedral Mosque

• After reconstruction, the mosque’s area increased twentyfold
• It is the largest Islamic religious building not only in Russia but one of the most spacious in Europe
• In October 2015, a sacred relic — a hair from the Prophet Muhammad’s head — was brought to the mosque; about five thousand people came to see it
• The shape of the minarets symbolises the unity of Tatar and Russian cultures, combining the architectural traditions of Kazan and Moscow
• On the third floor there is a small prayer hall completely recreated from materials of the original 1904 mosque
• In 1944, Joseph Stalin personally sent a telegram of gratitude to the mosque’s imam for raising funds for the Red Army
• In 1994, the Moscow Higher Islamic Spiritual College was opened at the mosque, and a year later — the Moscow Islamic University

Practical Information for Visitors

Location and Address

The Moscow Cathedral Mosque is located in the Meshchansky District at 7 Vypolzov Lane, near the Olimpiysky sports complex, between Olimpiysky Prospekt and Durova Street.

How to Get There

The most convenient way is the Moscow Metro. Nearest station: “Prospect Mira” (Circle and Kaluzhsko-Rizhskaya lines) — a few minutes’ walk. By surface transport:

• Trolleybuses No. 7 and 50 — stop “Ulitsa Shchepkina”
• Trams No. 7 and 9 — stop “Ulitsa Shchepkina”

There is no free parking on site. Paid “Moscow Parking” spaces are available on Durova Street.

Contact Information

• Phone: +7 (495) 120-55-89
• Email: [email protected]
• Official website: www.mihrab.ru

Tour payment is cash only (no cards accepted).

Opening Hours

Open daily 10:00–19:00. No group tours on Fridays. Visiting during prayer times is permitted.

Conclusion

The Moscow Cathedral Mosque is an outstanding architectural monument and an important spiritual centre of the Russian capital. The majestic building harmoniously combines traditional Islamic architectural forms with modern technology, creating a unique appearance that attracts thousands of visitors from around the world. Its rich history — having survived revolution, the Soviet era, and large-scale reconstruction — makes it a symbol of the resilience of faith and cultural unity. Today the mosque not only serves as a place of prayer for thousands of Muslims but also performs an important educational function, introducing visitors to Islamic culture and traditions. Visiting the Moscow Cathedral Mosque offers the chance to admire luxurious interiors, learn about the history of Islam in Russia, and enjoy a panoramic view of the capital from the observation deck. Regardless of faith, every guest will find something fascinating and take away unforgettable impressions from this unique architectural masterpiece.