The marble court
Reflections at night.
Vyacheslav Argenberg — CC BY 4.0 · Vyacheslav Argenberg — CC BY 4.0 · Vyacheslav Argenberg — CC BY 4.0 · Vyacheslav Argenberg — CC BY 4.0 · Vyacheslav Argenberg — CC BY 4.0
The Akhmad Kadyrov Mosque, officially known as «The Heart of Chechnya», is one of the largest mosques in Russia, in the city of Grozny. It stands in a wide park of 14 hectares on the bank of the Sunzha River. It is part of an Islamic complex that also includes an Islamic university, and it is the main sight in the city, above all when lit at night. It was officially opened on 16 October 2008, and its construction was commissioned through the mayor of the Turkish city of Konya. Its 62-metre minarets draw on those of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul, known as the Blue Mosque. It is an Ottoman-style building in the middle of the city, with a central dome and wide arches throughout. You enter a broad marble-paved courtyard ringed by arcades with striped arches and small domes, its surface reflecting the lights in the evening. Inside is a huge hall of domes and arches striped in red and white, with big chandeliers and wide carpets. At night the minarets and white dome glow above their reflection in the courtyard, the finest scene here. Naryn-Kala Fortress is about 254 km away in a straight line. Dress modestly, women should cover their heads, and coverings are usually lent at the door. Avoid prayer times, above all on Friday. Ask before photographing people. Come at sunset to see it in the last light and then with the lamps on. The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Russia, and non-Russian bank cards may not work, so read the current advice before you plan.
Reflections at night.
Red and white arches.
Above a wide park.
Sunzha riverbank, central Grozny, Russia
At sunset, to see the last light and then the night lighting on the court.
It is usually allowed outside prayer times with modest dress, so ask at the door.