Kebir-Jami Mosque, Simferopol, Ottoman mosque in Old town Ak-Mechet, Simferopol, Ukraine.
Description
The Kebir-Jami Mosque is a house of prayer in Simferopol's old town with a single dome, minaret, and white chalk stone walls that shape its traditional appearance. The religious complex holds about 200 worshippers and includes prayer spaces alongside areas for study and a library dedicated to Crimean Tatar literature.
History
Built in 1508 by architect Abdurrahman-bek-Ali for Khan Meñli I Giray, it is the oldest surviving structure in Simferopol. After World War II it was converted into a book-binding workshop before undergoing complete restoration in 1993 to resume religious services.
Culture
The mosque has always been central to Crimean Tatar life and continues to serve as a gathering place for prayer and community activities. Visitors can observe how this space brings people together for both religious and social purposes.
Practical
The site sits in the old town and is easy to reach on foot, with the white facade and minaret visible from several streets. Visitors should expect that modest dress is required and that there may be specific visiting times for non-worshippers.
Did you know?
The minaret was damaged during World War II and the structure was later converted into a book-binding workshop rather than being restored immediately. This unusual chapter reflects how different periods shaped the building's story.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Simferopol).
Holy Trinity cathedral in Simferopol
230 m
The Shot in the Back
503 m
Lenin on Lenin Sq., Simferopol
529 m
Old Simferopol
152 m
Karaite synagogue
471 m
Peter and Paul Cathedral
164 m
State Academic Musical Theater of the Republic of Crimea
473 m
Crimean Tatar Museum of cultural and historical heritage
597 m
Saints Constantine and Helena Church in Simferopol
352 m
Ilya Selvinsky House Museum
281 m
Gasprinski St., 29
468 m
Kinoteatr Simferopol
506 m
Chirakhov House
428 m
Studencheskaya St., 2
570 m
I. Franko Crimean Republican Universal Scientific Library
503 m
Lenina St., 15
233 m
Lenina St., 11
333 m
Schmidt St., 15
653 m
Kirova St., 13
611 m
Studencheskaya St., 13 / Kurchatova St., 29
408 m
Gorky St., 4
665 m
Lenina St., 17 / Proletarskaya St., 2
187 m
Kirova St., 46 / Ushinsky St., 2
503 m
Sergeyev-Tsensky St., 5 / Turetskaya St., 9
450 m
Kirova St., 25
449 m
Odesskaya St., 12
284 m
Будинок Йосипа Бреннера
234 m
Дом № 21 по улице Ленина
188 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes