Hazret Sultan Mosque
Nur-Sultan
The Hazrat Sultan Mosque, located in Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana), is the largest mosque in Kazakhstan and a prominent symbol of Islamic faith and architecture in the country. Named after the Sufi sheikh Khoja Ahmed Yasavi, the mosque was built following a suggestion by Kazakhstan's first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev. Construction began in June 2009 and involved between 1,000 and 1,500 workers during various stages. The mosque officially opened on July 6, 2012, adding a unique architectural landmark to the capital city. Designed in classical Islamic style with traditional Kazakh ornaments, the mosque is situated on the right bank of the Yesil River, near key city landmarks such as the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation and Independence Square. It can accommodate 5,000 worshippers regularly and up to 10,000 on holidays, covering over 11 hectares with a construction area of 17,700 square meters. The mosque features the largest dome in Kazakhstan, standing 51 meters tall with a base diameter of 28.1 meters, complemented by eight smaller domes and four 77-meter-tall minarets. Architecturally, it is crowned by an 80-meter spire topped with a crescent pointing towards Mecca. Beyond worship, the mosque also facilitates bathing rituals, weddings, Quran reading halls, and educational groups, making it a cultural and religious hub in the capital.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to check the mosque's opening hours before visiting and consider attending during religious holidays to experience its full capacity and cultural significance. Modest dress is required as it is an active place of worship. Tickets are not typically required, but guided tours may be available. Visiting in spring or autumn offers pleasant weather and less crowding.
Interesting facts
- •The mosque features the largest dome in Kazakhstan, with a height of 51 meters and a base diameter of 28.1 meters.
- •It can hold up to 10,000 worshippers during major religious holidays.
- •The mosque's four minarets each stand 77 meters tall, making them some of the tallest in the country.
- •The 80-meter spire atop the mosque is crowned with a crescent that is precisely oriented towards Mecca.
History
The Hazrat Sultan Mosque was constructed between 2009 and 2012 following a presidential suggestion to honor Khoja Ahmed Yasavi, a revered Sufi sheikh whose mausoleum is in Turkistan.
It was built to serve as a major religious center for the capital city, reflecting Kazakhstan's Islamic heritage.
Over 1,000 workers contributed to its construction, culminating in its inauguration in July 2012.
Since then, it has become a key religious and architectural landmark in Nur-Sultan, symbolizing the country's cultural identity and spiritual values.
Place Guide
Main Prayer Hall2012
The central area of the mosque where up to 5,000 worshippers gather for Friday prayers and other religious ceremonies. It features intricate Islamic and Kazakh ornamental designs and is crowned by the massive central dome.
Minarets2012
Four towering minarets located at the mosque's corners, each reaching 77 meters high. These serve both a religious function for the call to prayer and an architectural role, enhancing the mosque's skyline presence.
Educational Halls2012
Rooms dedicated to Quran reading, religious education, and community gatherings. These halls support the mosque's role as a spiritual and educational center.
Contact
Phone: 8 (7172) 28 00 18
