Iranian diplomatic delegation paid a visit to Astrakhan economic region last week. During the trip, they visited the Persian Mosque, which dates back to more than 160 years ago.
Kazem Jalali, Iran's Ambassador to Moscow, expressed dissatisfaction with the current situation of the old mosque, which has turned into a ruined monument, calling for consultations with Russian officials to discuss the renovation of the holy and symbolic place.
The first presence of Iranians in Astrakhan dates back to the era of Peter the Great (Peter I) when Russia started to pursue expansionist designs against Iran, which culminated in the 19th century. Then, a Shia community of Persians was formed in Astrakhan and they constructed a brick mosque in 1860 in Kirov street, which was managed by a special council.
The building of the mosque was cube-shaped and the main dome had four minarets. Its facade was built based on classical design, consisting of Islamic elements of architecture.
A Russian reporter from Astrakhan described the mosque as a beautiful structure with four relatively new minarets and the interior of the building is original; although, the corridors of the building are dark and gloomy and the ceiling is short.
Those, who wanted to visit the mosque, were asked to observe moral principles and hold talks with the cleric or council of the mosque.
Iranian ambassador paid a three-day visit to the Astrakhan region, holding talks with the governor of the region, Igor Babushkin, raising the subject of reconstruction of the mosque, and the governor vowed to pave the way for renovation of the Persian Mosque.
More than 50 mosques have been restored and rebuilt in Astrakhan over recent years.
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