Stock photo description

The Qolsarif mosque located in Kazan Kremlin is the largest mosque in Russia and, reputedly, in Europe.

Originally, the mosque was built in Kazan Kremlin in the 16th century. It was named after Qolsarif who served there. Qolsharif died with his numerous students while defending Kazan from Russian forces in 1552. It is believed that the building featured minarets, both in the form of cupolas and tents. Its design was traditional for Volga Bulgaria, although elements of early Renaissance and Ottoman architecture could have been used as well. In 1552, during the storm of Kazan it was destroyed by Ivan The Terrible.

Tatar scholars speculate as to whether some elements of Qolsarif mosque can be seen in Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow (8 minarets, a central cupola, not typical for Russian architecture). Since 1996 the mosque has been rebuilt in Kazan Kremlin, although its look is decisively modern. Its inauguration on July 24, 2005 marked the beginning of celebrations dedicated to the Millennium of Kazan.

Several countries contributed to the fund that was set up to build Qolsharif mosque. Namely, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates. Qolsharif is considered to be one of the most important symbols of Tatar aspiration to independence and liberty. Nowadays the mosque predominantly serves as Museum of Islam. At the same time during the major Muslim celebrations thousands of people gather there to pray.

The Qolsharif complex was envisioned to be an important cornerstone of Kazan architectural landscape. Besides the main mosque building it includes the library, publishing house and Imam's office.

Qolsharif Mosque at sunset

Size	PixelsInches		Credits$ USD
Small	849 x 565 px @ 72 dpi 11.8" × 7.8" @ 72 dpi	505.32 KB	$60.00 USD 35 Credits
Medium	1698 x 1131 px @ 300 dpi 5.7" × 3.8" @ 300 dpi	1.57 MB	$95.00 USD 55 Credits
Large	2716 x 1810 px @ 300 dpi 9.1" × 6.0" @ 300 dpi	3.78 MB	$128.00 USD 75 Credits
XLarge	4200 x 2800 px @ 300 dpi 14.0" × 9.3" @ 300 dpi	8.09 MB	$180.00 USD 105 Credits
XXLarge	4925 x 3283 px @ 300 dpi 16.4" × 10.9" @ 300 dpi	10.15 MB	$242.00 USD 135 Credits
XXXLarge	5616 x 3744 px @ 300 dpi 18.7" × 12.5" @ 300 dpi	10.53 MB	$270.00 USD 160 Credits

Stock photo details

Contributor:	Mordolff view portfolio
Keywords:	Islam, Mosque, Arabic Style, Russia, Traditional Culture, Architecture, Temple, Palace ...Show all keywords: 43 Sunset, Built Structure, Urban Scene, Symbol, Religion, East, Building Exterior, Kremlin, International Landmark, Sun, Tower, Famous Place, Minaret, Monument, History, Church, Dome, Majestic, Stone, Cloud, Crescent, Cloudscape, Places Of Worship, Landmarks, Architecture And Buildings, Travel Locations, Pavilion, Outdoors, Facade, Local Landmark, National Landmark, Construction, Sky, Sunlight, Architecture Backgrounds Wrong keywords? Tell us
Collection:	Vetta Collection
Downloads:	>40
Views:	4499
Uploaded on:	06-03-09 © Mordolff