Anet-Baba Mosque

The Karaganda Regional Mosque is the largest Muslim place of worship in Kazakhstan, a magnificent architectural ensemble surrounded by a spacious park. This modern mosque began construction in the early 2000s, and after a decade of careful craftsmanship, it opened its doors in 2011 in a grand ceremony attended by the President of Kazakhstan. The scale and beauty of the mosque are beyond words.

Designed in the tradition of classical Islamic architecture, the three-story building is crowned by a grand dome, with four towering minarets over 50 meters high gracing each corner. The mosque’s exterior and interior were crafted by Kazakhstan’s finest artisans, with intricate stained-glass windows, artistically painted walls, and an elaborate pattern of decorative ornaments. The design draws inspiration from Arabian mosques as well as the mosque in Kuala Lumpur.

The mosque can accommodate up to 4,000 people at once, and all visitors are welcome, with the exception of the men’s and women’s prayer halls, which are reserved for congregants. The main dome rises 12 meters high and is surrounded by eight smaller domes. On the first floor, there is a wedding hall, a dining area, and rooms for ablution. The second floor holds a men’s prayer hall for 3,200 people, while the third floor features a women’s prayer hall that can accommodate 800 people.

Anet Baba Kishikuly (1626-1723) was an esteemed figure who made invaluable contributions to Kazakh history. He was a prominent Kazakh bi (judge and statesman), a trusted advisor to Tauke Khan, a jurist, scholar, and a member of the Khan’s Council. Known among the people as Bi-Ata, or “Judge of all Judges,” he played a key role in creating the legal code Zheti Zhargy. Revered for his wisdom and justice, Anet Baba mentored many younger leaders, guiding them in the principles of fairness and wisdom.