Aqmescit Friday mosque, Central mosque in Simferopol, Ukraine
The Aqmescit Friday mosque is a prayer house with four minarets rising 58 meters high and a central dome spanning 18 meters in diameter. The main hall accommodates roughly 3000 worshippers, with separate areas for men on the ground floor and women on an upper level.
The mosque was built starting in 2015, after the local Muslim community had spent 20 years seeking permission to construct a religious center at this location. This construction marked an important moment of change for religious recognition in the region.
The interior features geometric patterns and ornamental details that blend Islamic tradition with distinctive Crimean Tatar design elements. These decorative touches shape the visual character of the walls and ceilings, creating a recognizable artistic identity.
The building is easy to spot thanks to its four distinctive minarets that are visible from many parts of the city. Visitors should know that shoes are removed before entering prayer areas, and clothing covering shoulders and legs is considered appropriate.
The architecture blends elements from Ottoman buildings with regional influences, including distinctive tulip motifs. The structure was partly built with limestone from local quarries, giving it a special connection to its surroundings.
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