Kruszyniany, Tatar village in Podlaskie Voivodeship, Poland
Kruszyniany is a village centered around a wooden mosque that features three towers of varying heights, with two main towers and a smaller one positioned near the prayer room. The structure measures roughly 10 by 13 meters and represents the physical heart of this settlement.
This settlement was founded in 1683 when King John III Sobieski granted land to Tatar soldiers as reward for their aid during the Battle of Vienna against Ottoman forces. That royal decision created the foundation for this community's presence in the region.
The mosque still shows how men and women use separate sections divided by a wooden partition, following Islamic practice. This arrangement shapes how people experience the interior space today.
The village is open to visitors who can explore the historical mosque and visit the local restaurant serving traditional Tatar cuisine. Menus are available in Polish and English to help with ordering.
This is one of only two surviving places in Poland where Lipka Tatars have kept their centuries-old traditions alive while using Polish as their everyday language. This blend of heritage and modern life makes the settlement a rare example of cultural continuity.
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