Juma Mosque of Derbent
One of the oldest mosques in Russia, built circa 734 CE.
The Juma Mosque of Derbent is a historic Friday mosque and madrasa located in the center of Old Derbent in the Republic of Dagestan, present-day Russia. Completed circa 734 CE under the Sunni Umayyad Caliphate, it is one of the oldest mosques in the region, though the claim of being the oldest in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States is disputed by the Juma Mosque in Shamakhi, Azerbaijan (built 743–744 CE). The mosque has historically been used by both Sunni and Shi'ite communities. It is well-preserved and recognized as part of the cultural heritage of the peoples of the Russian Federation, as well as a component of the Old Derbent UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Quick Facts
- Native Name
- ru · Дербентская Джума-мечеть
- Religious Affiliation
- Shia Islam
- Location
- Derbent, Dagestan
- Festival
- <!-- or
- Country
- Russia
- Functional Status
- Active
- Patron
- Muftiate of the Republic of Dagestan
- Architecture Type
- Mosque architecture
- Architecture Style
- Islamic
- Founded By
- Maslama ibn Abd al-Malik
- Groundbreaking
- 733–734 CE
- Length
- 68 m
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
In 733, one mosque was built in each of Derbent's seven mahallahs, and a larger mosque was constructed for common Friday prayer. The number of mosques in Derbent grew to 15 by 1796. An inscription above the mosque entrance records that in 1368–1369, the mosque was restored after an earthquake by Tazhuddin of Baku. Between 1474 and 1475, construction of a madrasa began, and the expansion and formation of the mosque complex was completed in 1815.
During the 1930s, the mosque was closed due to the atheism campaign across the USSR. From 1938 to 1943, it was rebuilt as a city prison. In 1943, a decree from Moscow returned the mosque to the city's imams for its intended purpose. A charter was developed that decade, and a board of 20 was elected. Derbent's Sunni and Shi'ite communities each have their own imams. The Juma Mosque was the largest in the North Caucasus during the Soviet era and the only one in southern Dagestan, drawing believers from throughout the region for Friday prayers. In 2015, restoration work was done in preparation for Derbent's 2,000th anniversary.
Reader's Guide
The Juma Mosque of Derbent holds profound significance as the oldest mosque in Russia and the CIS, marking the early spread of Islam in the Caucasus region. Its construction by Iranians before the Treaty of Gulistan underscores the historical Iranian influence in Derbent. The mosque's survival through centuries, including restoration after an earthquake in the 14th century and its conversion into a prison during Soviet atheist campaigns, reflects its resilience. Its return to religious use in 1943 and continued operation as a shared space for Sunni and Shi'ite communities highlights its role in fostering inter-sectarian coexistence. As part of the Old Derbent UNESCO World Heritage Site, the mosque is a key cultural landmark. The four ancient plane trees in its courtyard, recognized as natural monuments of all-Russian significance in 2012, add to its unique heritage. The mosque's architecture, with three naves, lancet arches, and a large courtyard, exemplifies early Islamic design in the region. Its legacy endures as a symbol of religious continuity and architectural heritage in southern Russia.
Did You Know?
- The Juma Mosque of Derbent, completed circa 734 CE, is one of the oldest mosques in Russia and the CIS, though the title is disputed by the Juma Mosque in Shamakhi, Azerbaijan.
- From 1938 to 1943, the mosque was rebuilt and used as a city prison.
- The mosque's courtyard contains four old plane trees that were recognized as natural monuments of all-Russian significance in 2012.
- An inscription above the entrance states the mosque was restored in 1368–1369 after an earthquake by Tazhuddin of Baku.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Juma Mosque of Derbent?
It is a historic Friday mosque and madrasa set in the heart of Old Derbent, in the Republic of Dagestan, Russia. The structure stretches roughly 68 meters from west to east and 28 meters from south to north, with a central dome reaching about 17 meters in height.
When was the Juma Mosque of Derbent built and under what authority?
Construction was finished around 734 CE during the reign of the Sunni Umayyad Caliphate. That dating places it among the earliest surviving mosques in the broader Caucasus region.
Is the Juma Mosque of Derbent truly the oldest mosque in Russia or the CIS?
It is frequently cited as one of the oldest mosques in Russia, yet that superlative is genuinely contested. The Juma Mosque in Shamakhi, Azerbaijan, dated to 743–744 CE, is often raised as a rival claimant, so the 'oldest in the Commonwealth' label remains disputed among scholars.
Which religious communities have worshipped at the Juma Mosque of Derbent?
Over the centuries the mosque has served both Sunni and Shi'ite congregations, reflecting the diverse faith landscape of Dagestan. Its large courtyard, measuring roughly 55 by 45 meters, was well suited to accommodating worshippers from either tradition.
Why is the Juma Mosque of Derbent considered important to Russian cultural heritage?
It is recognized as part of the cultural heritage of the peoples of the Russian Federation and stands as a remarkably well-preserved example of early Islamic architecture in the North Caucasus. Its continued presence at the center of Old Derbent makes it a vital landmark for anyone tracing the region's layered religious and political history.
More in World Heritage Sites in Russia 1-24
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