Madrasah of Estärletamaq, madrasa in Sterlitamak, Russia
The Madrasah of Estärletamaq is a school building in Sterlitamak, Russia, constructed of brick and stone with traditional Islamic architecture featuring a simple exterior. The structure contains an open courtyard framed by arched doorways, small windows for natural light, and functional rooms designed for teaching and prayer.
The building was constructed in the early 19th century when Sterlitamak was part of the Russian Empire and had a substantial Muslim population. After the Soviet period when it was repurposed, the structure was restored following the collapse of the Soviet Union and now functions as an Islamic educational and cultural center.
The name reflects the local Bashkir heritage of the region. Today, community members gather here for prayers and cultural events, keeping Islamic traditions alive as part of Sterlitamak's everyday life.
The building sits in a quiet residential area and is easily reached on foot, with tree-lined streets nearby. Visitors should enter with respect, wear appropriate clothing, and check in advance whether public visits are permitted.
During Soviet times, the building was closed and repurposed as a medical school, showing how local history was shaped by major political changes. This conversion and subsequent restoration tells the story of community resilience through transformative periods.
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