İske Taş Mosque

Immerse yourself in history at the İske Taş Mosque, also known as the Old Stone Mosque or Starokamennaya, located in Kazan, Russia. According to legend, this historic site was erected over a communal grave of fighting men who defended Kazan in 1552. A big old stone (zur iske taş) originally marked the burial site and was preserved for many years in front of the mosque's east facade.

Built in 1802 through donations from merchant Ğabdulla Ütämişev, the mosque features a qibla set by Ghabdennasir Qursawi. When you visit, you will appreciate its classicist façade, created during an 1830 reconstruction designed by Alexander Schmidt. This two-storied mosque contains two praying halls separated by a thick cross wall.

Standing at its center, rising directly from the gable roof, is a striking three-tiered minaret designed in a style reminiscent of minarets found in the ancient towns of Bolghar and Kasimov. Led in the 19th century by imams of the Amirkhan family, the mosque faced closure in the late 1930s under Soviet rule—serving as a school and storage—before finally being returned to believers in 1994. It stands today as a poignant stop for travelers exploring Kazan's architectural heritage.

What to see at İske Taş Mosque

• Erected over a legendary 1552 defenders' communal grave once marked by a big old stone
• Classicist exterior redesign completed in 1830 by architect Alexander Schmidt
• Unique two-story structure featuring two distinct praying rooms
• Central three-tiered minaret echoing ancient designs from Bolghar and Kasimov

Visiting tips

Take time to observe the central minaret's unique three-tiered architecture, which draws inspiration from ancient towers in Bolghar and Kasimov.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

İske Taş Mosque is easy to reach on Kazan’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Qol Şärif Mosque and Söyembikä Tower. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Kazan travel guide.