Qolsharif mosque
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The Qolşärif mosque (also spelled Qol Sherif, Kul Sharif) located in the russian city of Kazan is the largest mosque in Russia and, reputedly, in Europe.
Originally, the mosque was built in Kazan Kremlin in the 16th century. It was named by Qolşärif who served there. It is believed that the building featured minarets, both in the form of cupolas and tents. Its design was traditional for Volga Bulgaria, although elements of early Renaissance and Ottoman architecture could have been used as well. In 1552, during the storm of Kazan it was destroyed by the Russians.
Tatar scholars speculate as to whether some elements of Qolşärif mosque can be seen in Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow (8 minarets, a central cupola, not typical for Russian architecture). Since 1996 the mosque has been rebuilt in Kazan Kremlin, although its look is decisively modern. Its inauguration on July 24, 2005 marked the beginning of celebrations dedicated to the Millennium of Kazan.
[edit] Illustrations
 View from the Yärminkä Square |
 Closeup of the mosque |
[edit] External link
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