One afternoon when everyone went for dinner , we decided to walk around the hotel. The day was getting dark but as we left the hotel the weather was nice and cool. Maghrib time just passed but we just wanted to make a full use of this nice outing. let’s find that mosque, shall we! The streets were dark and dusty.But many people were still around waiting for the bus home. We pressed on walking hastily as the street went through an old neighbour hood with abandoned houses and what not. I held tight onto my hiking stick just in case. As we approached the mosque, more familiar Muslim men walked by. I guessed they had finished Maghrib prayers.
When we finally reached the mosque a few men greeted us and showed around the mosque. It was quite an old building but seemed to function well.
Alhamdulillah Islam is alive and well in this part of the world.Imam Farid (Mufti of Irkutsk) was so glad to see us. With little English we communicated briefly and let him on his way. Being in a predominantly Christian Orthodox country , he must have faced a lot of challenges in running the mosque.
I took time sitting there breathing the air of iman and taqwa.A beautiful recitation of the verses from alQuran still amazed me. Soft and emotionally touching. I joined the Maghrib prayers with some of the late comers. We pray for their continued success in their bids to protect and practice Islam for many generations through the future. InsyAllah.
###Some info from AI ###
The **Cathedral Mosque of Irkutsk** (also known as the **Irkutsk Juma Mosque**) is one of the most significant Islamic landmarks in Siberia. Here are some key details about this historic mosque:
1. Location
Address**: Karl Liebknecht Street, 86, Irkutsk, Russia.The mosque is situated in the center of Irkutsk, near the Angara River.
2.History
Construction**: Built between **1905 and 1907**, the mosque was funded by the local Tatar Muslim community.
– **Soviet Era**: Like many religious buildings, it was **closed in 1939** during Stalin’s anti-religious campaigns and used as a warehouse and later as offices.
– **Restoration**: Returned to the Muslim community in **1991** after the fall of the USSR, and restoration work began.
– **Reconstruction**: A major **reconstruction in 2012** restored its original appearance while adding modern facilities.
3.Architectural Style
– The mosque combines **Tatar Islamic architecture** with Siberian influences.
– Features:
– A **minaret** (tower used for the call to prayer).
– A **central dome**.
– Decorative elements in green and white, typical of Tatar mosques.
– Wooden and brick construction, reflecting Siberian building traditions.
4. Religious and Cultural Importance
– Serves as the main mosque for Irkutsk’s **Tatar-Bashkir Muslim community**, which has been present in Siberia since the 19th century.
– Hosts daily prayers, Friday sermons (**Jumu’ah**), and Islamic festivals like **Eid al-Fitr** and **Eid al-Adha**.
– Functions as a **cultural center**, offering religious education and community events.
### **5. Current Status**
– Open for worship and visitors (non-Muslims may enter outside prayer times if respectful).
– Part of Irkutsk’s **historical and architectural heritage**, recognized as a symbol of religious diversity in Siberia.
