Juma Mosque in Tbilisi

The Tbilisi Mosque, more commonly known as the Jumah Mosque, stands in the shadow of the ancient Narikala Fortress, bearing witness to centuries of complex history. Originally erected by the Ottomans in the early 18th century, the mosque was soon destroyed by the Persians, only to be rebuilt in the mid-19th century. This enduring structure is more than just a place of worship — it is a symbol of resilience and coexistence.

Muslims have been part of Tbilisi’s multicultural tapestry since the 8th century, following the Arab invasions. Historical records suggest that the first mosque in the Georgian capital appeared in the 16th century. Today, there are more than 200 mosques throughout Georgia, serving a Muslim population of approximately half a million people, with about 30,000 residing in Tbilisi alone.

Georgia’s Muslim community is remarkably diverse, encompassing ethnic groups such as Dagestanis, Azerbaijanis, Lezgins, Tatars, and Chechens. Followers of Islam in the country are divided between Sunni and Shia branches, with Shia Muslims historically forming the majority in Tbilisi.

The present-day functioning mosque in Tbilisi was built at the initiative of Kazan Tatars and originally served Sunni Muslims. Until the mid-20th century, Shia Muslims worshipped at the Shah Ismail Mosque in the city. However, after its destruction, they began performing their prayers alongside Sunnis at the Jumah Mosque. Thus, centuries of doctrinal division gradually gave way to a unified practice within a single sacred space. Until 1996, a curtain separated the Shia and Sunni congregants during prayer, but today, all pray together in a shared act of devotion.

Every Friday at 1:00 PM, the community gathers for the traditional Jumah prayer. The mosque is also a central gathering place during major Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Adha (Kurban Bayram) and Eid al-Fitr (Fitr Bayram), when sacrificial rituals — like the offering of a ram — are carried out within its grounds.

Tolerance is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Georgia and is especially palpable in Tbilisi, a city where multiple faiths coexist in harmony. A notable illustration of this spirit of inclusion dates back to the reign of King David the Builder, who is said to have attended both the Orthodox Church and the mosque. In neighborhoods with significant Muslim populations, he even prohibited the slaughter of pigs out of respect for Islamic customs.

Today, the Old Town of Tbilisi offers a living testament to this enduring tradition of peaceful coexistence. Within walking distance of one another, one can find an Orthodox church, a Jewish synagogue, a Catholic cathedral, an Armenian Gregorian church, and the Jumah Mosque — all thriving side by side, serving as powerful symbols of religious tolerance and multicultural unity.