Welcome to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where you will find the Central Mosque of Imam Sarakhsi, commonly known as the Bishkek Central Mosque. Named after the medieval Islamic scholar Al-Sarakhsi, this monumental place of worship stands as one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. Constructed starting in 2012 and officially inaugurated in September 2018 by Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the project was funded by the Turkish Diyanet as part of Turkey's initiative to build mosques worldwide.
When you visit, you will immediately notice its magnificent Ottoman revival architecture, which closely resembles the design of the famous Kocatepe Mosque. Take time to marvel at its stunning exterior features, most notably its four minarets, each accented with three balconies. Inside and across its sprawling grounds, the site boasts an extraordinary capacity, accommodating up to 9,000 people within its closed sanctuary and up to 30,000 worshipers overall.
Whether you are interested in grand religious architecture, international history, or Central Asian culture, exploring this impressive landmark offers you a fascinating glimpse into modern architectural heritage right in the heart of Bishkek.
What to see at Bishkek Central Mosque
- Striking Ottoman revival architecture that resembles the Kocatepe Mosque
- Four grand minarets, each uniquely crafted with three balconies
- Massive capacity accommodating up to 30,000 worshipers overall
- Named in honor of medieval Islamic scholar Al-Sarakhsi
Visiting tips
Plan to dress modestly and respect local customs when visiting this grand active mosque.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Bishkek Central Mosque is easy to reach on Bishkek’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Bishkek travel guide.
See the full Bishkek travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.