September 2003 -- The Central Mosque of Almaty is one of the largest mosques in Kazakhstan. The mosque was completed in 1999. It was built on the site of an old mosque that dated to 1895, but caught fire in 1987. When we were there in 2003, the mosque had a simple blue dome. In 2006, the dome was decorated with ceramic tiles. In 2010-2011, the ceramic tiles were replaced with gold plates.
Blue dome
Another view
The Central Mosque is near the Green Market. We visited both every weekend. The mosque is a beautiful symbol of Islamic architecture. I don't think you could tour the mosque in 2003.
Herb taking a picture
Babushka near the mosque
Boy in front of mosque
Religious institutions were revitalized after the fall of the Soviet Union. Islam is the largest religion practiced in Kazakhstan. However, religious practices are considered to be moderate. Head scarfs and daily attendance at mosques are rare. We didn't see many, if any, women wearing head scarfs. Not to mention many of our Muslim hosts liked their vodka (Soviet influence).
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