Moscow Central Mosque

The Moscow Central Mosque is a structure located in Moscow, the capital of Russia, and is regarded as one of the country’s most important Islamic places of worship. Built by the Russian Muslim Religious Administration, the mosque draws attention through its architectural features, interior decorations, and large capacity.

^{Moscow Central Mosque – General Exterior View (}Türkiye Diyanet Vakfı⁾

The construction of the Moscow Central Mosque lasted seven years and the mosque was opened for worship on 23 September 2015. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The opening served as a significant indicator of cultural and religious cooperation between Russia and Türkiye.

The total enclosed area of the Moscow Central Mosque is approximately 19,000 square metres and it can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers simultaneously. The total construction area of the building is stated to be 13,000 square metres.

• Dome: The mosque’s dome is 46 metres high and 22 metres in diameter. The entire dome is covered with gold leaf applied over copper sheets.

• Minarets: The mosque has two large minarets, each standing 81 metres tall.

• Floors: The building consists of two basement levels, one main prayer level, and two gallery levels. Foyers for men and women are provided in the basement levels. The ground floor and first gallery level are designated for men, while the second gallery level is reserved for women.

• Additional Facilities: The mosque complex includes a 150-seat conference hall and a muftiate office.

^{Interior Prayer Area and Chandelier (}ARKİV⁾

The interior decoration of the mosque was undertaken by the Türkiye Diyanet Foundation and the Presidency of Religious Affairs. The project and implementation process lasted approximately two years, during which more than 100 artisans from Türkiye participated.

• Artistic Style: The interior embellishments were executed in accordance with the classical Ottoman artistic style of the 16th and 17th centuries.

• Calligraphy and Penwork: Calligraphy and ornamental designs were carried out under the leadership of calligrapher Hüseyin Kutlu and ornamentalist Semih İrteş.

• Mihrab: The mihrab was specially crafted from Marmara marble using carved relief techniques with inscribed bands of calligraphy. It was produced in Türkiye and installed at the mosque.

• Other Elements: All penwork from the prayer floor to the dome, the marble mihrab, minbar and kürsü, kündekârî wooden main entrance doors, gallery railings, large chandeliers, and a 6,000-square-metre carpet were all crafted by Turkish artisans.

^{Interior Dome and Chandelier (}Türkiye Diyanet Vakfı⁾

For their contributions to these works, Hüseyin Kutlu and Semih İrteş were awarded medals and certificates by the Muftiate of European Muslims in Russia.

^{Prayer Area and Calligraphy (}ARKİV⁾

The Moscow Central Mosque is not merely a place of worship but also serves as a religious and cultural centre for Moscow’s Muslim community. During Ramadan and Eid al-Adha, thousands of Muslims fill the mosque, with overflow crowds forming lines in the streets. During Eid prayers, the area surrounding the mosque is designated for worship and security measures are implemented. Additionally, messages from the President and Prime Minister of Russia are read at the mosque, and the prayers are broadcast live on state television.