Snapshots
Whether you're looking for an offbeat experience or yearning to delve deeper into Central Asian culture, Kazakhstan is the place to be. Renowned for spectacular landscapes and rich nomadic history, this country offers you a wealth of exploration. It boasts numerous famous mosques, cathedrals and even a few temples. From the grandeur of Almaty Central Mosque to the tranquillity of ISKCON temple Almaty, these sites are such breathtaking sights that they absolutely must be added to the top of your bucket list.
1. Astana Grand Mosque

One of the most spectacular! Astana Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in Central Asia. It's a perfect example of modern Islamic architecture and boasts the largest dome in the world, reaching 83.2 m with a diameter of 62 metres. Here, you'll also come across the impressive wooden gates, you'd never seen this many big gates ever.
As you explore the interior, you'll get to know that it's as pretty and impressive as its exterior - vast prayer halls, and verses from the Quran are inscribed on walls – it offers you a peaceful atmosphere like nowhere else. There is also a library, you can visit here if you're seeking insights into Islam.
2. Nur-Astana Mosque

With its own charm and unique features, this Kazakhstan mosque is a significant and beautiful landmark to explore. Whether you're a Muslim or not, you can appreciate the tranquillity and spirituality of this place. Coming to architecture, it is a blend of modern Islamic architecture and traditional designs.
The most important thing? This Kazakhstan mosque incorporates some symbolic elements like the dome's height (40m), which depicts the age of Prophet Muhammad when he received his first revelations and the height of the minarets is 62 m which represents the age of the Prophet at the time of his death. The exterior of the mosque is awe-inspiring with a striking white facade, clean lines and geometric patterns.
3. Hazrat Sultan Mosque

Immerse yourself into the true spirit and culture of the Eastern World by paying a visit to a popular mosque named Hazrat Sultan Mosque. The grandeur of the mosque is what attracts people from all over the world. As we know white colour holds a special place in Islam, owing to this fact, the exterior and interior of the mosque have been adorned with a white facade only.
The mosque is huge with prayer halls, rooms for Quran reading, a wedding hall and rooms for seminars and lectures are also there. While being one of the must-visit places in Kazakhstan, it stands as a testament to Kazakhstan's rich cultural heritage and can hold up to 10,000 people.
4. Almaty Central mosque

Almaty Central mosque is an architectural masterpiece, no less than a paradise for an architecture enthusiast. It's much more than a religious place, it's a symbol of Kazakhstan's inclusive religious tolerance. This Kazakhstan mosque is highly significant among Muslims from far and wide. Take time to admire the rich and impressive architecture with traditional Islamic style.
Plus, Almaty Central mosque also serves as a centre for community engagement, cultural exchange and interfaith dialogues. Here, you can also attend some seminars and workshops giving you insights into the culture and history of Kazakhs. Booking a guided tour is another great idea.
5. Mashkhur Jusup Mosque

Named after Kazakh poet and historian Mashkhur Jusup, this Kazakhstan mosque is among the largest mosques in Kazakhstan, with a capacity of 1,500 worshippers. The mosque's architectural plan is built upon an eight-pointed star, a form that smoothly transitions into the gigantic dome, complementing the skyline in its own way. You can explore this two-storey building at your own pace – the first floor comprises a library, museum and the main prayer hall while you can find a women's prayer hall, auditoriums and a dining room on the second floor.
6. ISKCON Temple Almaty
Knowing the fact that Kazakhstan doesn't recognise Hinduism as a religion, it's not unusual to find that there are rare or no Hindu temples in Kazakhstan. Although, it has accepted the Hare Krishna movement which played a significant role in the establishment of ISKCON Temple Almaty. Talking about architecture, it is based on the traditional Indian style and creates a captivating ambiance that evokes a sense of charisma. The air is so spiritual, filled with melodious bhajans and rhythmic chants. Whether you're looking for a tourist attraction or a Hindu temple in Kazakhstan, ISKCON Temple Almaty is something you'll surely get on the top.