Kul-Shariff Mosque

The erection of the “Kul-Sharif” Mosque according to the project of the group of architects of the firm “Tatinvest-grazhdanproyect” (A.V. Golovin, A.I. Ishakov, I.F. Saifullin, A.C. Sattarov, M.V.Safronov, S.P. Shakurov) started in 1996. The contest for the developing of the project, which was held by the Architects’ Association preceded to the creating of its final variant. After summarizing 2 rounds, the project was developed, it combined ideas and plans of a number of contestants. The Mosque's building is located in the western part of the Kremlin. The project presupposes zoning of the Mosque's yard, taking into account the relief's fall into 2 platforms: the upper one- for religious arrangements, the lower one - for museum excursions. The complex will include 2 pavilions and ornamental pools. It belongs to the type of the central dome mosque with many minarets. The basis of its arrangement is laid on the combinatory symbol of the Moslem Community “Bismilla” in the shape of 2 squares displaced at an angle of 45 degrees and laid one on the other. According to this project, the high central volume with broken facets of the curved upper part was erected. It is surmounted by the dome on the platform of a muezzin and accentuated with 8 vertical lines (4 tall minarets and 4 pinnacles). The hall will be lit by high pointed Gothic and tulip-shaped windows. The motifs and elements of Tartar decorative art will be used in the Mosque's styling.

The Qolşarif mosque also spelled Qol Sharif, Kol Sharif, Qol Sherif via Tatar and Kul Sharif via Russian: located in Kazan Kremlin 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 after Qolsharif served there. Qolsharif died with his numerous students while defending Kazan from Russian forces in 1552. 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 Ivan The Terrible.

Tatar scholars speculate as to whether some elements of Qolşarif 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.

Several countries contributed to the fund that was set up to build Qolsharif mosque. Namely, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates. Qolsharif is considered to be one of the most important symbols of Tatar aspiration to independence and liberty. 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.