The White Mosque was built in the ancient Tatar city of Bolgar in 2012. It is one of the most beautiful mosques in Russia. The White Mosque got its name thanks to the white marble. All surfaces of the mosque are lined with it. The Bulgarian Islamic Academy is located next to the mosque. Pilgrims from different regions of Russia constantly come here.
The White Mosque was built on the initiative of the former President of Tatarstan, Mintimer Shaimiev. It cannot be called a big mosque, but all people admire its beauty. Depending on the lighting, white marble takes on pink or yellow shades. The height of the central dome is 27 meters, and the height of the two minarets reaches 46.5 meters. The minarets of the White Mosque are made in the form of reduced copies of the minarets of the Masjid al-Nabawi Mosque in Medina (Saudi Arabia).
The White Mosque is built in the form of a square around a large courtyard. The courtyard is also a prayer area (1500 square meters). Its surface is lined with granite. The White Mosque covers the courtyard from three sides. The three parts of the mosque are united by an arcade of 88 columns into a single architectural complex. There is a fountain at the entrance to the courtyard, but it is made in the form of a small pond. The water flows down through a semicircle at the front edge. The mosque is beautifully reflected in the mirror surface of the fountain.
The interior of the mosque is also made of white stone with rich decor. Here you can see stone carvings in the form of Arabic script. The windows have stained glass windows. Above the main hall (180 sq. m. meters) a chandelier with a diameter of 25 meters is suspended under the dome of the mosque. The main hall can be seen from the balcony, where tourists can climb.
There is a Bread Museum near the White Mosque. The main sights of the ancient city of Bolgar are located on the banks of the Volga River, 3 kilometers away. It is better to start an excursion to them at the Western Gate. There you will see the ruins of the ancient Cathedral`s Mosque, the ruins of the Khan`s Palace, the Museum of Bulgarian Civilization and many other interesting places.
