Islamic Heritage Event Marks 190th Anniversary of Saratov’s Grand Mosque
The initiative, organised on the eve of the anniversary, highlights the growing recognition of the mosque’s role in the region.
At the event, Rustem Abdulmanov, head of the social organisation “Al-Nahda”, delivered a speech on the mosque’s history and the development of Islamic life in the city. He traced the narrative back to the late 17th century and emphasised the central role of Muslims in shaping Saratov’s cultural and social identity.
The discussion session that followed included open-format dialogue and came with numerous proposed ideas and plans from participants ahead of the formal 190th-anniversary celebration scheduled for 2026.
According to historical records, the first stone mosque in Saratov was established around 1832 on Tatar Street (now Ulitsa Tatarskaya). The original building featured a tall minaret and a distinctive Islamic-style wall. It became a focal point for Muslim life in the city’s historic Tatar quarter.
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During the Soviet period, the mosque was nationalised; the minaret and its ornamental wall were demolished and the building repurposed for non-religious functions.
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Muslim community regained the site in 1991. Given the building’s dilapidated state, it was demolished and a new larger mosque commenced construction in 1995.
The replacement building was formally inaugurated on 21 September 2005 as a religious and cultural centre for Muslims in Saratov. The modern complex serves as the seat of the regional Spiritual Administration of Muslims and offers library and educational facilities as well as prayer halls.
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