The Qolşärif mosque (pronounced [kɔlʃæˈriːf], also spelled Qol Sharif, Kol Sharif, Qol Sherif via Tatar: Колшәриф мәчете and Kul Sharif via Russian: мечеть Кул-Шариф) located in Kazan Kremlin, was reputed to be -at the time of its construction- the largest mosque in Russia, and in Europe outside of Istanbul.
Originally, the mosque was built in the Kazan Kremlin in the 16th century. It was named after Qolşärif who served there. Qolsharif died with his numerous students while defending Kazan from Russian forces in 1552. It is believed that the building featured minarets, both in the form of cupolas and tents. Its design was traditional for Volga Bulgaria, although elements of early Renaissance and Ottoman architecture could have been used as well. In 1552, during the storming of Kazan it was destroyed by Ivan The Terrible.
Tatar scholars speculate as to whether some elements of Qolşärif mosque can be seen in Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow (8 minarets, a central cupola, not typical for Russian architecture). Since 1996 the mosque has been rebuilt in Kazan Kremlin, although its look is decisively modern. Its inauguration on July 24, 2005 marked the beginning of celebrations dedicated to the Millennium of Kazan.
Several countries contributed to the fund that was set up to build Qolsharif mosque. Namely, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates. Qolsharif is considered to be one of the most important symbols of Tatar aspirations.Nowadays the mosque predominantly serves as Museum of Islam. At the same time during the major Muslim celebrations thousands of people gather there to pray.
The Qolsharif complex was envisioned to be an important cornerstone of Kazan architectural landscape.
Four centuries ago the legendary many-minaret Kul Sharif Mosque decorated the capital of Kazan Khanate impressing everybody with its magnificence, grace, beauty and rich library. It was named in honor of its last Imam Seid Kul Sharif - one of Kazan defence leaders.
According to Dr.N.Khalitov's research the two-storied eight-minaret mosque was oriented towards the parts of the world.
When Ivan the Terrible captured the city the mosque was burnt down and ruined as well as other Moslem buildings of the Kazan Kremlin.
In 1995, the President of the Republic of Tatarstan signed the Decree in accordance with which work at Kul Sharif Mosque's reconstruction started. On February 21, 1996, the foundation-stone was laid on the place of the erection of the mosque's building.
The International Contest for the project of the Kul Sharif mosque was conducted in the Republic, 16 projects were submitted to the contest. As a result, the architectural decision has been found according to which the mosque's complex presents a symmetric composition with the mosque's building in the centre of the yard and two pavilions on either sides. The mosque's complex includes a building of the mosque itself, a library, a publishing centre, Imam's Administration.