The Juma Mosque (Georgian: ქართული ტექსტი; Azerbaijani: Cümə məscidi) is the only surviving mosque in the historic Old Town of Tbilisi, Georgia.[1] Located at the foot of Narikala Fortress on Botanical Street, it is notable for its shared use by both Sunni and Shia Muslims.[2][3]
| Juma Mosque | |
|---|---|
ქართული ტექსტი Cümə məscidi | |
 The mosque in 2022 | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Islam |
| Mosque | |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | Botanical Street, Old Tbilisi |
| Country | Georgia |
 Interactive map of Juma Mosque | |
| Coordinates | 41°41′14″N 44°48′37″E / 41.68722°N 44.81028°E |
| Architecture | |
| Architect | Giovanni Scudieri (1851) |
| Type | Mosque |
| Style | |
| Funded by | Zeynalabdin Taghiyev (1895) |
| Completed |
|
| Demolished | 1740s (since rebuilt) |
| Specifications | |
| Minaret | 1 |
| Materials | Red-brick |
History
editMuslims have lived in Tbilisi since the Arab conquest in the 7th century, and the city once had multiple mosques.[4] The original Juma Mosque built by the Ottomans in the early 18th century, at the foot of Narikala Fortress, was destroyed by Persian forces in the 1740s, then rebuilt between 1846–1851 by the Italian architect Giovanni Scudieri. In 1895, funded by Azerbaijani philanthropist Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, it was rebuilt again in its current red-brick form. The mosque underwent restoration in 1998.[5][6]
Architecture
editThe mosque is constructed of red brick and combines Neo-Gothic and Islamic architectural elements. It features arched windows along its walls and an octagonal minaret visible from Botanical Street. Both the exterior and interior are decorated with colorful mosaics.[5][7][8]
Religious significance and community use
editThe mosque serves both Sunni and Shia Muslims and is primarily used by the Azerbaijanis in Tbilisi. It was also used by Tatars during the Soviet Union.[9][10] Originally separated by a curtain, Shias and Sunnis eventually began praying together in 1996, making it one of the few mosques where followers of the two main branches of Islam share a single prayer space.[2] It is also the focal point for Friday prayers and celebrations of Eid al‑Adha and Eid al‑Fitr, drawing both local worshippers and tourists.[2][11][12] It's subordinate to the Mufti of Azerbaijan.[13]
The mosque stands among other religious landmarks in Old Tbilisi, including bathhouses, synagogues, and churches, exemplifying the city’s long-standing tradition of religious diversity and tolerance.[14][15][16]
See also
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References
edit- ↑ "Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Tbilisi Organizes Charity Project on the Occassion of Eid Al-Adha 2023". Georgia Today. 4 July 2023. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- 1 2 3 "Juma Mosque in Tbilisi". Eurasia Travel.
- ↑ "Georgian PM wishes happy Ramadan Bayram to Muslims at Tbilisi's Juma Mosque". 1TV. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ↑ "This is a symbol of victory, kindness and love - Irakli Garibashvili wishes a Happy Kurban Bayram to muslims at Tbilisi's Juma Mosque". rustavi2.ge. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- 1 2 "Jumah Mosque in Tbilisi". Advantour.
- ↑ "Georgian PM visits Tblisi Juma Mosque and congratulates Muslims". www.azerbaycan24.com. 10 April 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ↑ "Tbilisi, Georgia is One of the Best Places to Travel in 2023". Money. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ↑ "Collective prayers held in mosques of Tbilisi and Batumi". Caucasian Knot. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ↑ "TBİLİSİ CÜMƏ MƏSCİDİ - AZAN". ZiM.Az | "ZİYA" İnformasiya Mərkəzi (in Russian). Retrieved 11 April 2026.
- ↑ "Welcome to Heydar Aliyevs Heritage Research Center". lib.aliyev-heritage.org. Retrieved 11 April 2026.
- ↑ "Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Tbilisi Organizes Charity Project on the Occasion of Eid Al-Adha 2022". Georgia Today. 12 July 2022. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ↑ "What not to miss in Tbilisi". Bradt Guides. 29 May 2018. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ↑ Service, Georgian Tourist (4 June 2024). "Tbilisi Mosque, Juma Mosque | Sightseeing tours in Georgia". georgiantouristservice.ge. Retrieved 11 April 2026.
- ↑ Katy Gillett (18 March 2024). "Tbilisi's sole surviving mosque is a fascinating slice of Georgian history". Condé Nast Traveller Middle East.
- ↑ "Georgian Azerbaijanis call attention of official Tbilisi and international organizations to Armenia's provocations". Aze.Media. 5 October 2022. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ↑ "Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev's philanthropy in Tbilisi". report.az. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
External links
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Media related to Juma Mosque, Tbilisi at Wikimedia Commons