Snow-white mosque in the style of classical Islam and the first mosque of the left bank -
Abu Nasir al-Farabi Mosque is assigned the role of one of the most significant religious sites in Kazakhstan. Opened in March 2005 for the Nauryz holiday in the city of Astana, it became the first mosque erected on the left bank of the capital. Before the appearance of the Hazrat Sultan Mosque and the Grand Republican Mosque, it held the status of the largest in the country and all of Central Asia.
The grand project, created by Lebanese architect Charles Hafiza, was implemented by the Turkish company Pasiner with funds from the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, as a gratuitous gift. Located in a key zone of the new administrative center, the Abu Nasir al-Farabi Mosque is surrounded by modern skyscrapers, the Asia Park shopping mall, Round Square, and Lovers Park.
The place impresses with its snow-white facade of concrete and granite, topped by a majestic golden dome. The interior decoration, developed by master Gaziz Eshkenov, is executed using Arabic calligraphy and national Kazakh ornaments in blue, gold, and turquoise tones.
The mosque is a central link in the spiritual life of the city, offering space for prayers, education in the madrasah school, and social assistance. Under the patronage of the temple, the Husamuddin as-Syghanaqi Islamic Institute operates. Thanks to its proximity to Nurzhol Boulevard and the main government buildings, a visit to the mosque is easy to combine with a walk through the sights of the left bank.
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How to get there and visit -
Abu Nasir al-Farabi Mosque is located at: 36 Kabanbay Batyr Avenue, left bank of the Esil River, Yesil district, Astana city, Republic of Kazakhstan.
Entrance for parishioners and tourists is organized from the main alleys of the complex; for motorists, parking is provided on three sides of the building.
GPS coordinates: 51°07'36"N 71°24'56"E
You can reach the Abu Nasir al-Farabi Mosque by city buses to the Islamic Cultural Center, Exhibition Center, or Infinity Residential Complex stops. Routes leading to the complex include: 807, 803, 801, 309, 308, 303, 302, 301, 104, 60, 56, 53, 51, 46, 40, 37, 32, 30, 29A, 29, 12, 10.
Opening hours: daily from 04:30 to 22:30
Contacts: +7 7172 44 61 65; +7 7172 44 58 48
Official mosque website
Instagram page
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History
The history of the mosque began in 2002 when construction started with the support of the state of Qatar. The temple, costing about 7 million dollars, was gifted to Kazakhstan as a sign of friendship. Until November 2021, the sanctuary was known as "Nur Astana," after which it was renamed in honor of the great thinker and scientist Abu Nasir al-Farabi.
Over the years, the mosque has become an important social and scientific center. The history of this place is inextricably linked with the names of the chief imams, such as Nauryzbay Taganuly and Askar Abitaiuly. The renaming in the year of the 30th anniversary of Independence emphasized the role of the mosque as a spiritual bridge uniting Islamic philosophy and the pursuit of knowledge.
Information
Abu Nasir al-Farabi Mosque is a large-scale structure with an area of 3,930 m², capable of accommodating up to 7,000 believers in the main hall and on the women's balcony. Deep symbolism is embedded in the architectural numbers: the height of the main dome is 40 meters (the age of the Prophet Muhammad at the time of receiving revelation), and the height of the four minarets is 63 meters (the span of the Prophet's earthly life). According to other technical data, the height of the minarets reaches 62 meters, and the dome 43 meters.
Infrastructure includes a library, madrasah classes, and the Imam's house. The special value of the mosque lies in sacred gifts: a fragment of the Kiswah (the silk covering of the Kaaba), gifted in Mecca, and a Quran from the library of the King of Saudi Arabia. The surrounding territory is landscaped with a cozy square with fountains and benches, and the temple itself is open around the clock.
Detailed description of the object
A walk through the mosque grounds allows you to appreciate the elegance of the finish made of glass, alucobond, and marble. In front of the building lies a spacious courtyard with a double fountain with turquoise water. Inside, the space is flooded with light penetrating through arched windows. The main dome is supported by 8 powerful pillars engraved with suras from the Quran in intricate script.
In the evening, the mosque is transformed thanks to bright lighting, turning into a sparkling composition against the backdrop of high-tech buildings. Proximity to Nurzhol Boulevard and the Keruen Mall makes it a popular spot. Visitors must follow the rules: remove shoes at the entrance and cover shoulders and knees (special clothing can be taken from cabinets at the entrance).
Architecture
The architectural style of the mosque is an exquisite combination of oriental flavor and modern structures. The snow-white building is decorated with 20 small domes in addition to the main golden one. The interior design by Gaziz Eshkenov focuses on Arabic graphics, for the painting of which the best paints from Spain and Russia were used. The use of symmetry and soft milky tones in the interior creates an atmosphere of true oriental peace.
Legend and conclusion
It is believed that the Abu Nasir al-Farabi Mosque is a place where prayers gain special power under the patronage of the spirit of the great scientist. The fragment of the Kiswah kept here makes the mosque an important pilgrimage point. This is a place where every guest, regardless of religion, can find peace among the snow-white vaults and touch the cultural heritage of the country.
Interesting attractions nearby:
• Baiterek Monument;
• Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center;
• Korme Exhibition Center;
• Keruen Shopping Mall;
• Emerald Quarter;
• Astana Opera.
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