Cathedral Mosque of Krasny Ostrov: Historical and Architectural Analysis
https://doi.org/10.22311/2074-1529-2025-21-3-147-166
Abstract
The article explores the history of the oldest preserved stone mosque in the village of Krasny Ostrov, Nizhny Novgorod Region (which has been in operation since 1901), in terms of studying local centers for preserving Islamic identity in an ethnically diverse environment. Such objects represent unique “microcosms” that refl ect not only the evolution of architectural forms, but also the survival strategies of the religious community during imperial and later Soviet modernization. The research goes beyond a purely architectural analysis, encompassing issues of historical memory, the transformation of religious practices, and the interaction of the local community with state institutions over three centuries. The mosque’s history is inextricably linked with the socio- cultural history of the Tatar community in Krasny Ostrov and the entire Nizhny Novgorod Region. Archival evidence convincingly attests to its key role not only as a religious center, but also as the most important educational institution (with a madrasah present since the beginning of the 19th century), attracting the attention of provincial inspectors. The tragic pages of the 20th century, including repressions against the clergy (such as the execution of Imam Ahmed Nejmetdinov in 1937), the mosque’s closure in 1938 and its subsequent secularization (when it functioned as an orphanage, maternity hospital, and a medical aid post), vividly illustrate the dramatic impact of state policies on religious life and material heritage. The mosque’s return to the faithful in 1989 and its restoration in 2011 mark an important stage in religious revival and the recovery of historical memory. Throughout its history, even during the period of secularization, the mosque has remained a center of attraction for the residents of the village, performing not only religious functions, but also educational, charitable, and social roles during Soviet times. This continuity of public role underlines the deep-rootedness of the mosque institution in the life of the Tatar village.
About the Author
D. R. Gainetdinov
Moscow Islamic Institute
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Dinar R. GAINETDINOV, Postgraduate student
12, Kirova Lane, 109382, Moscow
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Review
For citations:
Gainetdinov D.R. Cathedral Mosque of Krasny Ostrov: Historical and Architectural Analysis. Islam in the modern world. 2025;21(3):147-166. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.22311/2074-1529-2025-21-3-147-166
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