| Kipchak Mosque | |
|---|---|
| Basic information | |
| Location | Gypjak, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan |
| Affiliation | Islam |
| Status | Active |
| Architectural description | |
| Architectural type | Mosque |
| Architectural style | Islamic |
| Completed | 2004 |
| Specifications | |
Gypjak Mosque or Kipchak Mosque is a mosque in the village of Gypjak about 7 kilometres west of the centre of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan on the M37 highway.
The mosque was constructed by the French company Bouygues, was built in the late Saparmurat Niyazov's home town. It opened on October 22, 2004 and was built by Niyazov with a tomb in preparation for his death. He was laid to rest in the tomb on December 24, 2006.
The mosque has been at the center of controversy as scriptures from both the Ruhnama (Book of Soul), Niyazov's 'pseudo-spiritual guide to life' are built into the walls. It has upset many Muslims who believe it is an insult to have the Ruhnama seemingly placed as equal to the Koran.[1]