Bornay Mosque
A historic 1872 red brick mosque in Kazan's Old Tatar quarter, known for its ornate minaret and cultural significance.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Bornay Mosque
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 1872 red brick mosque in Kazan's Old Tatar quarter, known for its ornate minaret and cultural significance.
"A beautiful example of Tatar culture and architecture, a must-see in Kazan."
Modest Dress Code
Cover up: long pants, shoulders, and headscarves for women. :pray:
Parking Challenges
Parking is difficult. Consider public transport or walking. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Red Brick Architecture
Exterior
Admire the striking red brick facade, a testament to 19th-century Tatar architectural style.
Ornate Minaret
Exterior
Marvel at the intricately designed minaret, a federal cultural heritage site added in 1895.
Interior Design
Interior
Experience the blend of Tatar and Russian medieval styles within the mosque's prayer hall.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Modest Dress Code
Cover up: long pants, shoulders, and headscarves for women. :pray:
Parking Challenges
Parking is difficult. Consider public transport or walking. :car:
Cultural Gem
A beautiful example of Tatar culture and architecture. :sparkles:
Respect Prayer Times
Be mindful of worshippers and avoid visiting during peak prayer hours. :clock:
Tips
from all over the internet
Modest Dress Code
Cover up: long pants, shoulders, and headscarves for women. :pray:
Parking Challenges
Parking is difficult. Consider public transport or walking. :car:
Cultural Gem
A beautiful example of Tatar culture and architecture. :sparkles:
Respect Prayer Times
Be mindful of worshippers and avoid visiting during peak prayer hours. :clock:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Bornay Mosque for its beautiful red brick architecture and significant historical minaret, noting its importance as a cultural landmark in Kazan. While the mosque is appreciated for its aesthetic and historical value, some recent feedback points to issues with the conduct of a specific imam, and parking can be a challenge.
"Bornay Mosque
Located in the Zakabanaya quarter of the Old Tatar region, the Bornay Mosque is an example of the religious philanthropy undertaken by Tatar entrepreneurs. In 1799, the merchant Salih Mustafa built the first wooden mosque.
It was initially intended for students of the Abanaev Madrasah.
The residents of the surrounding houses began to flock to it, but the mosque soon burned down in a fire.
In 1872, the merchant Muhammad Sadiq Bornayev commissioned the construction of a new stone mosque on the site of the burned mosque, designed by architect Peter Romanov.
In 1895, shortly before Bornayev's death, an ornate minaret rose above the entrance to the mosque (designed by architects Fyodor Malinovsky and Lev Khrushunovich).
The mosque's interior was designed in the Tatar and Russian medieval styles.
Like most mosques in Kazan, the mosque was closed by Soviet authorities in the 1930s until 1994, but its minaret was preserved. The mosque was returned to Muslims in 1994. The minaret is considered a cultural heritage of federal significance."
Thai Bin Thai
"A certain Hazrat-Mavletdinov Farhat of the Burnaevskaya mosque on the eve of the Holy month of Ramadan (from March 1-29, 2025), namely on February 28, left an unpleasant impression on himself. This person, to put it mildly, is not worthy to hold the post of Hazrat, the spiritual mentor of the parishioners. He is a rude, scandalous, ill-mannered, absolutely not a wise person. Many residents of nearby houses also speak poorly of him. DUM RT I would like to ask, what do you think when you put such personalities in such positions?!!! Urgently reconsider the candidates before the masses have a bad impression of the representatives of the Mosques. Don't disgrace Islam!"
НАРОД- Власть!
"A positive impression. Each mosque in Kazan has its own distinct and magical atmosphere. Adjacent to the mosque is a shop selling Arabic items."
Rafał L.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bornay Mosque is located in the Zakabanaya quarter of the Old Tatar region. Public transport is recommended as parking can be difficult. You can take a bus or tram to the nearest stops and then walk. Check local transport apps for the most up-to-date routes.
Finding parking near the Bornay Mosque can be challenging due to its central location in the Old Tatar quarter. It's advisable to use public transportation or consider walking if you are already in the vicinity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Bornay Mosque is an active place of worship and generally does not require an entrance fee. Visitors are welcome to explore the exterior and, if appropriate, the interior during non-prayer times.
As an active mosque, specific opening hours can vary. It's best to visit during daylight hours and be mindful of prayer times. Avoid visiting during the five daily prayer services.
There is typically no admission fee to visit the Bornay Mosque. Donations are often appreciated to help with the upkeep of the mosque.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors should dress modestly. Women are advised to wear a headscarf and cover their shoulders and legs. Men should wear long pants and avoid shorts. 
Photography inside active mosques may be restricted. It's always best to ask for permission before taking photos inside. The exterior and minaret are excellent for photography.
The Bornay Mosque is a historical landmark built in 1872, representing Tatar cultural architecture and the philanthropy of merchants like Muhammad Sadiq Bornayev. Its minaret is a protected cultural heritage site.
The mosque has a taharat (ablution) area which has been renovated and is in decent condition.
📸 📸 Photography
The red brick exterior, the ornate minaret, and the surrounding Old Tatar quarter offer great photographic opportunities. Capture the mosque against the sky or during golden hour for stunning shots.
Yes, the minaret is a prominent feature and is excellent for photography from various angles. It's a key part of the mosque's historical significance.
For Different Travelers
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👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1🕌 Religious Visitors
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance
+1The mosque's design is attributed to architect Peter Romanov. A notable addition was the ornate minaret, erected in 1895, designed by Fyodor Malinovsky and Lev Khrushunovich. This minaret is now considered a cultural heritage of federal significance, adding to the mosque's historical importance.
Inside, the mosque features a blend of Tatar and Russian medieval styles, offering a unique aesthetic experience for visitors. The building's history also includes a period of closure during the Soviet era, with its subsequent return to the Muslim community in 1994, underscoring its resilience and continued relevance.
Historical Context and Community
+1The mosque's history is intertwined with the socio-political changes in Russia. Like many religious sites, it was closed by Soviet authorities in the 1930s and only reopened in 1994. Despite the closure, its distinctive minaret was preserved, a testament to its architectural and cultural value.
While the mosque is a place of historical and architectural interest, recent reviews mention a specific imam, Hazrat-Mavletdinov Farhat, who has reportedly left an unpleasant impression due to alleged rudeness and poor conduct. This highlights the importance of community leadership and its impact on visitor experience.
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