Al-Marjani Musjid
Al-Marjani Musjid
- After several decades of persecution of the Muslims in Imperial Russia the Marjani Mosque was the first Musjid built in Kazan under Russian rule. It is the oldest active Musjid in Tatarstan and the only Musjid in Kazan that evaded closure during the Soviet period.
- The Musjid was built in traditions of the Tatar medieval architecture combined with provincial baroque style, and it represents a typical Tatar Musjid. It is believed that the architect was Vasily Kaftyrev. The Musjid is situated in the Old Tatar Quarter of Kazan at the bank of the lake Qaban.
- The Marjani Mosque is two-storied and has two halls. The interior is designed in The Petersburg Baroque style. In 1861 merchant İ. Ğ. Yunısov donated the addition of stairs, and in 1863 he donated the extension of mihrab and the breaching of new window. In that period the Musjid was called Yunısovs’ Musjid after his family. In 1885 merchant Z. Ğosmanov donated the renovation of the minaret. In 1887 merchants W. Ğizzätullin and M. Wälişin added the tracery balcony to the minaret.
- The Musjid is currently named after Tatar scholar Şihabetdin Märcani who worked there as imam in the mid 19th century.
