Mukhtarov Mosque, Sunni mosque in Vladikavkaz, Russia
The Mukhtarov Mosque is a brick structure featuring two distinctive minarets each reaching 33 meters in height and a main prayer hall soaring 15 meters high. The building stands near the Terek River bank and displays a symmetrical design with separate prayer spaces for men and women.
Built between 1900 and 1908 with funding from Azerbaijani millionaire Murtuza Mukhtarov and designed by architect Józef Plośko, the mosque has shaped religious life in Vladikavkaz for over a century. Its construction reflected the growing Muslim population and their need for a dedicated place of worship in the city.
The mosque serves as a gathering place for the Muslim community in North Ossetia, where residents come together for daily prayers and religious celebrations. It shapes the city's character as a visible expression of Islamic faith in the region.
Visitors should be aware that this is an active place of worship with specific conduct expectations, particularly in prayer areas where photography may be restricted. It is wise to check opening times beforehand and dress respectfully when entering the building.
In 1934, a cavalry regiment under Tatar command intervened to prevent local authorities from demolishing the structure during a period of religious suppression. This remarkable military action saved the mosque from destruction at a critical moment in its history.
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