Central Mosque of Almaty
The Central Mosque of Almaty was constructed over a span of six years, commencing in 1993 and concluding in 1999. It occupies the site once held by the Tatar mosque from the late 19th century.
This splendid snow-white building can accommodate up to 7 thousand worshippers. It features white marble as its primary construction material. The structure is adorned with five minarets, with the main minaret standing tall at 47 meters (154 ft). It is connected to the mosque through a two-story passageway.
Originally, the dome of the mosque, soaring to a height of 36 meters (118 ft), was painted in a bright blue hue. However, during the reconstruction carried out between 2008 and 2009, a decision was made to enhance its visual appeal. Consequently, ceramic cladding with intricate floral patterns was chosen, giving the mosque a resemblance to the mausoleums found in Central Asian countries. For instance, one of the domes at the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi is crafted in a similar style. Presently, the color of the main dome of the Central Mosque is resplendent gold. The tholobate supporting the main dome is adorned with verses from the Quran.
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The main entrance to the mosque adheres to traditional design principles, taking the form of a pishtak – an elongated portal with an arch. The front face of the pishtak is adorned with Arabic script and Kazakh ornaments, while the wooden doors showcase intricate carvings in the national style. Situated on the southwestern side of the mosque, you will find a mihrab, which is a pentagon-shaped niche indicating the direction of Mecca.
The mosque is equipped with modern amenities to meet the needs of its visitors. The surrounding area has been landscaped, featuring lawns, cobblestone pathways, a children's playground, and a Muslim merchandise store where a diverse range of items such as books, perfumes, souvenirs, and prayer rugs can be purchased.
How to get there?
Address: Almaty, 16 Pushkin St.
The nearest bus stop to the mosque is Sayakhat Bus Station. Numerous bus routes serve this station, including #4, 7, 11, 17, 29, 42, 50, 54, 59, 69, 71, and 79. Additionally, if you're traveling on buses #8, 20, 40, 73, 88, 113, 133, or 204, which run along Makataev Street, you can reach the "Green Bazaar" stop. From there, a short walk will bring you to the mosque in just a few minutes.
Opening hours:
Daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Other tourist attractions near the Central Mosque:
- Green Bazaar
- Tulebayev Street
- ARTiSHOCK Theatre
- Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen
- Zhibek Zholy Street
- Monument to Raiymbek Batyr
- State Puppet Theater
Recommended tours:
View all offers-1_420x650_4ab.jpg "The Best of Almaty Tour: City")
Embark on a captivating 3-hour tour where you'll explore Almaty's prominent attractions. Visit the Museum of Almaty, marvel at the exquisite Ascension Cathedral, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of trade at the Green Bazaar.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "The Best of Almaty Tour: Mountains")
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking mountain landscapes just a stone's throw away from the center of Almaty! Explore the awe-inspiring wonders nestled in the Ile-Alatau Mountains and ascend to an elevation of 2260 meters above sea level.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "The Best of Almaty One-Day Tour")
A fantastic option for a day-long adventure that involves discovering Almaty's most fascinating landmarks. This excursion allows you to explore the best attractions of Almaty and also takes you to an elevation of 2260 meters above sea level, providing a delightful experience amidst the breathtaking mountain landscapes.