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Description
Property Name: Mardzhani Mosque
Inventory No: 7-8432-1
Date of infill of the inventory form: 2008-02-20
Country (State party): Russia
Province: Kazan
Town:
Geographic coordinates: 55° 46′ 47.56″ N
49° 7′ 3.22″ E
Historic Period: 18th century, 1st half
Year of Construction: 18th century
Style:
Original Use: Mosque
Current Use: Mosque
Architect: Vasily Kaftyrev
Significance
Mosque Mardzhani is one of the oldest mosques in Kazan, constructed during the reign of Catherine the Great (1768-1771). Its Bolgar-Tatar decoration is seen in the old Bolgar motifs on the mihrab and the capitals as well as the Tatar stone carving retaining the traditional culture. The minaret rises from the green roof, which slopes four ways, in the authentic Tatar architectural style that was used for many wooden villages and mosques throughout the Volga and Siberian regions. But it also incorporates the Russian provincial baroque style as well. The beauty of the building is how skillfully the Tatar craftsmen combined the two styles harmoniously. The mosque takes its name from the great Tatar religious reformer and historian Shigabetdin Mardzhani, who served as the imam there from 1867 to 1881.
Selection Criteria
vi. to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance
State of Preservation
As the mosque was erected from many donations, its maintenance and improvements have rested on the continued generosity of individuals. In 1759 the original shingle roof was replaced by timbers and in 1833, the timber one gave way to tin each time with funds contributed y a generous benefactor. In 1860 the mosque was enclosed by a stone fence in place of the former wooden one. In 1863 the mihrab was moved a little to the east and a window installed and then in 1885 a minaret was added to it and another building was raised. In 1887 an iron railing balcony was added to the minaret to provide protection as the imam announced the call for prayer.
From 1939 to 1991 Mardzhani Mosque was the only working mosque in the city of Kazan.
References
Web sources