Kul Sharif Mosque, Kazan

4.8

#2 of 2,386 in Things to do in Volga District

Must see · Religious Site · Tourist Spot

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Named after a Tatar imam who died defending Kazan from the armies of Ivan the Terrible, Kul Sharif Mosque remains most famous for its observation balcony and dome, designed to resemble a lotus flower. Completed in 2005, this lavish building stands on the remains of a 16th-century structure, once the biggest mosque in Russia. Part of the city's World Heritage-listed citadel, the mosque houses a museum dedicated to the history of Islam in Tatarstan. Keep in mind that according to Islamic tradition, only men can enter the ground-floor prayer hall, and women must keep their hair covered in all parts of the mosque. Visitors to the third-floor observation balcony do not need to remove their shoes. Make Kul Sharif Mosque a centerpiece of your Kazan vacation itinerary, and find what else is worth visiting using our Kazan trip website.

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Kul Sharif Mosque reviews

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3,478 reviews

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4.9

By MNaija

Probably the most famous and easily recognisable building in Kazan. This Mosque is beautiful both inside and out. Entry is free, it’s well worth climbing the stairs to the two balconies as these...

Probably the most famous and easily recognisable building in Kazan. This Mosque is beautiful both inside and out. Entry is free, it’s well worth climbing the stairs to the two balconies as these... more »
By Sergey K

Built by the Turks, financed by Saudi Arabia, UAE and Iran (well, by the Russian government also, of course!), adorned with calligraphy by the Iraqis. A global Muslim project :)) Me and my wife...

Built by the Turks, financed by Saudi Arabia, UAE and Iran (well, by the Russian government also, of course!), adorned with calligraphy by the Iraqis. A global Muslim project :)) Me and my wife... more »
By B1714D

The Kul Sharif Mosque is one of the most prominent sights in Kazan with an interesting history behind it. It's turquoise blue dome and minarets stand out on the city's panorama. The original Mosque...

The Kul Sharif Mosque is one of the most prominent sights in Kazan with an interesting history behind it. It's turquoise blue dome and minarets stand out on the city's panorama. The original Mosque... more »

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By Mohamed Tahnoon

Definitely a must if you visit the city. Elegant and beautiful architecture with the unique blue color. The place is a bit crowded and touristy. The lighting at night is very nice also. Worth the visit.

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By Serag Ragb asory

I performed the Eid al-Fitr prayer in this mosque, the atmosphere was very beautiful, a lot of Muslims gathered from all the papers, really it is a wonderful place

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By Andrea Moro

Being a non Islamic person I can't say that much about the place in general, but the building (part of this UNESCO protected site), built just in 2005 is quite stunning.

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By Michael Fainshtein

Amazing! Must see and visit. There are many foreign guests are visiting our office, and this is one of the first places we take them to show Kazan.

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By Mohamed Badaoui Najjar

Amazing mosque stands on top of the hill overlooking kazan. The mosque can be seen from the majority of the city. Blue and white contrasts looks great in day and night time. Truly great to see anytime. With the right clothing you can go in and check out the inside

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