Juma Mosque of Derbent
Juma Mosque of Derbent
- The Juma Musjid of Derbent is the oldest Musjid in Russia and one of the oldest in the world. According to written sources, its construction was started by the commander Maslama ibn Abdul-Malik in 733-734 AD. In 733 seven Musjids were built here. Each town quarter (magal) had one, and a special cathedral Musjid to be used for Friday Salahs called al-Masjid al-Djamii was raised.
- Maslamah (RA) then proceeded to build the Musjid – The Juma Musjid is situated in the center of Derbent’s old part. It is a part of an architectural ensemble of the ancient town. The group of buildings consists of the main Musjid, a madrasah and some houses which religious leaders live in.
- Building of the Musjid is dated to 115AH (or 733-734 AD). The Juma Musjid was the biggest building in town, and its size was quite impressive for those times. Its length from West to East was 68 meters and 28 meters from South to North. The height of the cupola is 17 meters, and the yard was about 2475 square meters.
- Three centuries-old plane trees grow in the courtyard of the Musjid. In 2012, these thousand-year-old trees were recognized as natural monuments and are now protected by the state.
- The Musjid is an object of cultural heritage of the peoples of the Russian Federation and a UNESCO cultural heritage site. In 2019, its restoration began, which is currently ongoing.
- Today it is run by the Shi’a.
