Türkmenbaşy Ruhy Mosque
| Türkmenbaşy Ruhy Mosque | |
|---|---|
| Basic information | |
| Location | Gypjak, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan |
| Affiliation | Islam |
| Country | Turkmenistan |
| Status | Active |
| Architectural description | |
| Architectural type | Mosque |
| Architectural style | Islamic |
| Completed | 2004 |
| Capacity | 10,000 people[1] |
Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque or Gypjak Mosque (Turkmen: Türkmenbaşy Ruhy Metjidi) is a mosque in the village of Gypjak about 7 kilometres west of the centre of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan on the M37 highway.
Overview
The mosque, constructed by the French company Bouygues, was built in the home town of President Saparmurat Niyazov. It opened on October 22, 2004 and was built by Niyazov with a mausoleum in preparation for his death. Niyazov died two years later, and was buried in the mausoleum on December 24, 2006.
The mosque has been at the center of controversy as scriptures from both the Quran and the Ruhnama (Book of Soul), Niyazov's 'pseudo-spiritual guide to life' are built into the walls. It has outraged many Muslims that the Ruhnama is placed as the Koran's equal.[2]
References
- ↑ Corley, Felix (4 January 2005). "TURKMENISTAN: 2004, the year of demolished mosques". Forum 18 News Service. Retrieved 25 May 2012.
- ↑ Door to the Kipchak Mosque
External links
Media related to Gypjak Mosque at Wikimedia Commons
Coordinates: 38°1′4″N 58°15′10″E / 38.01778°N 58.25278°E