Photos

The Qolşärif mosque located in Kazan Kremlin, was reputed to be at the time of its construction - the largest mosque in Russia, and in Europe outside of Istanbul. Several countries contributed to the fund that was set up to build Qolsharif mosque.
Originally, the mosque was built in the Kazan Kremlin in the 16th century. In 1552, during the storming of Kazan it was destroyed by Ivan The Terrible.

Namely, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates. Qolsharif is considered to be one of the most important symbols of Tatar aspirations. Nowadays the mosque predominantly serves as Museum of Islam. At the same time during the major Muslim celebrations thousands of people gather there to pray.

The Qolsharif complex was envisioned to be an important cornerstone of Kazan architectural landscape. Besides the main mosque building it includes the library, publishing house and Imam's office.