Minsk Mosque

Minsk Mosque is a mosque located in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, with a historical origin dating back to the 15th century. The structure was initially built of wood and later reconstructed in 1890 using stone and brick materials, becoming one of the city’s prominent landmarks. During the Soviet Union era, it was demolished in 1962. Reconstruction efforts initiated by the Turkish Diyanet Foundation began in 2014 and were completed in 2016, after which the mosque was opened for worship.

The presence of Muslims in Minsk extends back to the 14th century. Tatar Muslims living in the region constructed the first mosque out of wood in the 15th century. In 1890, this structure was rebuilt using rubble brick techniques and became one of the city’s most significant symbols.

Under the communist regime of the Soviet Union, the mosque was completely demolished in 1962 and replaced with a hotel. Following its destruction, initiatives to rebuild the mosque were raised by the Muslim community, but for many years no tangible results were achieved.

^{Exterior Facade and Minaret (}KOMAŞ Construction⁾

Efforts to reconstruct the Minsk Mosque began in 2003, and construction was officially launched in 2014 by the Turkish Diyanet Foundation. The project was designed to faithfully replicate the original structure while incorporating additional sections to meet social and cultural needs. The total construction area of the mosque is approximately 2,800 square meters with a congregation capacity of 2,500 people.

KOMAŞ Construction undertook the building work, using regional brickwork and copper roofing for the exterior facade and roof restoration, while the interior was decorated in classical Ottoman architectural style.

The inauguration of the mosque took place on 11 November 2016, attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, and the President of the Diyanet Affairs, Professor Dr. Mehmet Görmez. Religious representatives from the Eurasian region and Belarusian Muslims also participated in the ceremony.

^{Wooden Mihrab and Minbar Details (}TDV⁾

Although the mosque’s architecture incorporates Tatar elements, its mihrab, minbar, pulpit, carpets, and decorations reflect the classical Ottoman style. The interior furnishings were produced in Turkey, with the mihrab and minbar manufactured in Ankara. The mosque complex also includes a conference hall, exhibition area, computer rooms, and social service units.

^{Ceiling Dome Lighting System (}TDV⁾

The Minsk Mosque serves not only as a place of worship for over 100,000 Muslims living in Belarus but also as a cultural and educational center. During the inauguration ceremony, President Lukashenko emphasized that the mosque would introduce the true values of Islam and contribute to the development of Belarusian culture.

Diyanet Affairs President Mehmet Görmez described the mosque as a symbol of peace in Minsk. Furthermore, by bringing together Muslims from various countries, the mosque has become a symbol of religious diversity and tolerance in Belarus.

^{Dome Interior and Chandelier (}TDV⁾

Today, the Minsk Mosque is used not only for Friday and holiday prayers but also for cultural activities. A 16th-century Qur’an, originally housed in Topkapı Palace and gifted to the mosque by President Erdoğan, is on display. The mosque serves as a center for worship and social integration for both Belarusian Muslims and Muslim immigrants from other countries.