«Nur-Astana» mosque

Although Kazakhstan has a secular political system, the country has great respect for religious traditions, and many residents espouse different faiths. The Nur-Astana welcomes not only believing Muslims but anyone wishes to discover Muslim culture in Kazakhstan and feel its spiritual atmosphere.

The Nur-Astana mosque is a cultural and religious symbol for Kazakhstan’s Muslims and, after the Hazret Sultan mosque, is the second largest mosque in the country. The mosque was designed by the Lebanese architect Charles Hafiz. Construction took place from 2002 to 2005 and was financially supported by the government of Qatar. The mosque covers an area of approx. 4000 square meters. Each of the four minarets is 62 meters high, and the main dome is 43 meters high. The main dome is held up by 8 ribs, on each of which a sura from the Holy Quran is carved. In the mosque 5000 men and 2000 women can pray at the same time.