The mosque

Built as a replica of a mosque destroyed by the Communists

The decision to construct a stone mosque in Minsk was made in the end of XIX century. The construction lasted from 1900 to 1902.

Sixty years later, the mosque was demolished. The old building was situated not far away from its current location.

Located in a holy place

The new modern mosque is located at the intersection of Ignatenko and Griboyedov streets. A Tatar cemetery was there in the old days.

Belarusian Tatars are the largest group of the Muslim population in the country. Besides, other 32 Muslim groups migrated to Belarus over the years.

Room for 892 people and wrong-side door

As was already mentioned, the new building is a larger version of the old Minsk mosque, destroyed in Soviet years. The original project was enlarged with a semi-basement floor for Sunday school, classrooms and Mufti’s study; there will also be a museum.

The entrance to the Minsk mosque is located on the side of the building. This is unusual because, as a rule, the entrance to a mosque should be located opposite to mihrab, a niche in the wall indicating the direction to Mecca.

The main prayer hall is divided into two parts: the part for men can sit 347 people and the part for women can welcome 165 persons.

There is a balcony for 380 people above the main prayer hall.

“Muslim theologians say to me: “Look, your mosque is improperly built!”. I tell them I know, but I can do nothing about it”, Mufti says.

He explains that the architect who designed the original project wasn’t a Muslim. He just added the elements of Islamic architecture to the Christian principles of construction. “In our religion believers come in the mosque with their faces to Mecca, and here you can enter only from the side”, Mufti adds.

Some of the internal element, like mihrab and minbar, were made in Turkey.

Place of worship and tourism

Now Belarusian Muslims will be able to pray in the mosque. They can also come to the mosque to search for advice.

Young people will be able to get married in the mosque. There will be a Sunday school as well.

hose who do not read Arabic, will have translated texts. There exists a version of Quran in Russian, but now a group of enthusiasts will be preparing a Belarusian translation of main book of Islam.

Tourists also will have an opportunity to visit the mosque. But it is important to mind the rules and be appropriately dressed.

The largest mosque in Belarus

The full capacity of the new mosque is 1,5 thousand worshippers.

Minsk Cathedral Mosque will be the biggest one in the country.

There are approximately 100,000 Muslims living in Belarus.