Nur-Astana Mosque, Islamic house of worship in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Nur-Astana Mosque, now named after the philosopher Al-Farabi, stands on Astana's left riverbank with a 43-metre main dome and four minarets of 62 to 63 metres. Its pale stone walls carry rows of narrow arched windows, and the interior holds up to 5,000 worshippers. The structure uses glass, concrete, granite and alucobond panels.
Construction of this mosque began in 2005 following an agreement between Kazakhstan's president and the Emir of Qatar. The project emerged from the desire to create a center for Islamic faith in the newly established capital.
The mosque opened on 22 March 2005, timed to the Nauryz holiday, and was renamed in November 2021 by Kazakhstan's Spiritual Administration of Muslims after the philosopher Al-Farabi. Its first chief imam, Nauryzbay Otpenov, was appointed in September 2013, followed by Askar Mukanov in December 2017.
The mosque is located on the left bank of a river and welcomes visitors who should dress modestly and respect the rules of the space. Guests will find areas for shoe removal and ritual cleansing, following Islamic customs.
The mosque was renamed in November 2021 from Nur-Astana to Abu Nasr al-Farabi by Kazakhstan's Spiritual Administration of Muslims, honouring the philosopher and scientist al-Farabi. The building was designed by Beirut-based architect Charles Hadife and erected by the Turkish company Pasiner between 2002 and 2005.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,480 contributors worldwide.