As reported by Podrobno.uz, the president of Uzbekistan,
Islam Karimov, participated in the ceremonial opening of the mosque on October
1st.
Built in the traditional national style, the building has
two minarets and a dome in the image of the sky. According to Uzdaily.uz, “The
interior of the mosque is built in the Naksh style while the mihrab is
decorated with lines from the Koran and Hadith.”
Information obtained by UzDaily.uz indicates that the mosque was constructed
with money drawn from the city’s budget as well as that of the Spiritual
Administration of Muslims in Uzbekistan. The Russian billionaire, Alisher Usmanov,
had previously denied rumors that he was behind the financing of the mosque.
“I am not involved in the construction, though I am ready to contribute my part
to support such an important and major project and I am, likewise, ready to
consider any appropriate requests for my support in this regard,” Usmanov was
quoted as saying by 12news.uz.
Outside view of the “Minor” mosque. Photo: Uzdaily.uz
The quay of the canal is likewise well prepared for the
opening of the new mosque.
According to reports, 2037 mosques were operating in Uzbekistan as of July,
2013. One mosque for every 14,700 Uzbeks.