Majestic monument of Islamic architecture and the largest sanctuary of Kazakhstan -
Hazret Sultan Cathedral Mosque is not just a religious site but a genuine symbol of the spiritual revival of Kazakhstan located on the right bank of the Esil River in the city of Astana. Built in record time this "snow-white pearl" is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful mosques in Central Asia.
The building resembles a fairytale oriental palace that harmoniously fits into the modern ensemble of Astana neighboring the futuristic Palace of Peace and Reconciliation and the majestic Kazak Eli monument.
The name of the mosque carries a deep sacred meaning: Hazret Sultan translates as "Holy Sultan". This is one of the honorary epithets of the great Sufi poet and thinker of the XII century Khoja Ahmed Yasawi whose authority is recognized throughout the Muslim world.
Architect Sagyndyk Zhanbolatov and his team created a project where classical Islamic canons are intertwined with elements of Kazakh ornament. The interior space is thought out to the smallest detail: from giant halls with massive white columns to modern television studios where sermons are broadcast.
The complex spreads over a territory of more than 11 hectares and is capable of simultaneously accommodating up to 10 thousand believers under its vaults. The mosque performs not only a religious but also an educational function: madrasah classrooms a library and halls for ceremonies operate here. Thanks to its proximity to the National Museum and Presidential Park visiting the mosque is a mandatory point of any tourist route through the capital.
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How to get there and visit -
Hazret Sultan Mosque is located at: 48 Tauelsizdik Avenue right bank of the Esil River Saraishyk district Astana city Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 51°07'32"N 71°28'21"E
You can reach the mosque by buses: No. 309, 308, 303, 302, 301, 56, 51, 46, 40, 37, 32, 30, 29A, 29, 12, 10.
Also routes No. 807, 803, 801, 104, 60, 53 go to the Islamic Cultural Center or Infinity Residential Complex stops.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday from 09:00 to 21:00
Contacts: +7 7172 42 24 55
Official mosque website
Instagram page
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History
Large-scale construction of the mosque began in June 2009. More than 1500 masters from 11 countries were involved in the building process. The solemn opening took place on July 6 2012 and was timed to the 14th anniversary of the capital. Since its opening the mosque has become a venue for global forums and congresses of leaders of world religions. In 2022 the structure was officially included in the register of historical and cultural monuments of local importance.
The history of this place also remembers dramatic events: in January 2012 a severe fire occurred at the construction site which almost destroyed the dome. However thanks to the heroic work of the builders the building was restored on time. Today Hazret Sultan is the main center of spiritual life in the country where priceless relics of the Islamic world are kept and online broadcasts of sermons with translation into Russian and English are conducted.
Information
The territory of the mosque is 11 hectares and the total area of all buildings is 17 700 square meters. The technical characteristics of the building are impressive: the central dome has a height of 51 meters and a diameter of 28.1 meters which is a record for Kazakhstan. It is surrounded by eight small domes and four slender minarets 77 meters high each.
Inside the mosque a unique air conditioning system is implemented similar to the one installed in the Prophet's Mosque in Medina. The infrastructure includes wedding halls (neke) ablution rooms the modern Hikmet TV studio and a library. There is also a cozy halal cafe and a shop where you can buy Arabic perfumes clothing holy Zam-Zam water and souvenirs.
Detailed description of the object
The interior decoration of the Hazret Sultan mosque is striking in its luxury. The walls are lined with white marble and decorated with gold calligraphy with the names of 25 prophets. The main treasure is considered to be the authentic handwritten Quran of the XII century weighing 40 kilograms brought to Kazakhstan by the great Tamerlane. Also the Silver Quran is kept here – an exact copy of Uthman's manuscript made of 162 silver sheets of 999 fineness.
The ceiling of the central hall is decorated with a massive three-ton chandelier and the floor is covered with a handmade carpet with national ornaments. A graceful mihrab pointing the direction to Mecca is located in the wall. The space is filled with light thanks to stained glass windows which create a unique atmosphere of peace. The mosque is the only one in the world where the names of all 25 prophets mentioned in the Quran are written on the walls.
Architecture
The architectural style is a synthesis of classical Islam and Kazakh Baroque. The snow-white facade of the building abounds with complex stone carving and koshkar-muyiz ornament. Four minarets at the corners of the building give the entire composition lightness and an upward thrust. In the evening the mosque is transformed thanks to artistic lighting that highlights each dome. Materials from 11 countries were used during construction emphasizing the international scale of the project.
Legend and Conclusion
There is a belief that the Hazret Sultan mosque possesses special protective power. During the fire in 2012 the flames did not touch the sacred books which many considered a divine sign. It is said that prayer in this place brings enlightenment of the mind and the four minarets serve as spiritual pillars guarding the peace of the capital. Locals believe that the light from the main dome in the pre-dawn hour points the way to those seeking the truth.
Hazret Sultan Mosque has become a true pearl of Kazakhstan uniting centuries-old traditions and modern achievements. This is a place where every guest can touch history see the rarest artifacts and feel the greatness of architecture. Visiting this complex gives a sense of peace and inspiration making a trip to Astana truly deep and memorable.
Interesting attractions nearby:
• Independence Square;
• Shabyt Palace of Creativity;
• Presidential Park;
• Panoramic viewpoint in Presidential Park;
• Wall of Peace Monument.
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