Zharkent mosque, Wooden mosque in Zharkent, Kazakhstan
The Zharkent Mosque is a wooden building in Kazakhstan that blends Central Asian Islamic elements with architecture inspired by Chinese pagodas. The structure measures approximately 28 by 54 meters and stands out in the city with its distinctive architectural style.
The building was constructed between 1892 and 1895 under architect Hon Piquet's direction and was made possible by funding from local merchant Vali Akhun Yuldashev. Craftspeople from the Uighur region contributed their expertise to the detailed woodwork.
The building serves as a place of worship with separate sections for men and women, where the main floor is designated for male worshippers and an upper level is reserved for female attendees. This division reflects traditional Islamic practices that remain observed during prayer gatherings today.
The building operates as a museum and active place of worship, open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM with guided tours available in Russian and Kazakh. Visitors should be aware that certain areas may not be accessible during prayer times.
The structure was built from Tian Shan spruce wood assembled using traditional joining techniques without any nails. This construction method is supported by 52 wooden columns that carry the entire roof system.
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