Moscow Cathedral Mosque

Moscow, Russia

The largest mosque in Moscow and one of Europe's largest, rebuilt in 2015 on the site of the original 1904 mosque. It serves as the spiritual center for Moscow's Muslim community.

Historical Context

The original Moscow Cathedral Mosque was built in 1904 by the Tatar merchant community and served as the city's principal mosque for over a century. By the 2000s, the building was severely overcrowded, with thousands of worshippers spilling into surrounding streets during Friday prayers and Eid celebrations. The decision to demolish and rebuild was controversial but ultimately supported by both the Muslim community and the Russian government. President Vladimir Putin attended the inauguration of the new mosque in 2015, alongside Turkish President Erdoğan and Palestinian President Abbas. The new structure, designed by Uzbek architect Ilyas Tazhiyev, features a 46-meter dome, six minarets, an…