| Kerbelayi Abdulla Mosque | |
|---|---|
| Native name Kərbəlayi Abdulla məscidi | |
 | |
| Location | Baku |
| Coordinates | 40°22′31″N 49°50′12″E / 40.3753°N 49.8366°E / 40.3753; 49.8366 |
| Area | Nasimi District |
| Built | 1918 |
| Architectural style(s) | Shirvan-Absheron school of architecture |
| Owner | Abdulla Zarbaliyev |
Kerbelayi Abdulla Mosque is a mosque and historical architectural monument dating back to the 19th century, located at 155 Dilara Aliyeva Street in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan. The mosque was built in 1894 by philanthropist Abdulla Zerbaliyev.
The mosque was included in the list of local significant immovable historical and cultural monuments by the decision No. 132 of the Cabinet of Azerbaijan on August 2, 2001.
According to the stone inscription on the Kerbelayi Abdulla mosque, the mosque was built in the Islamic calendar year 1336 (1918).[1] However, the inscription on the entrance gate indicates the construction date as the Islamic calendar year 1311 (1894).[1] The mosque was constructed by philanthropist Abdulla Zerbaliyev, a member of the Baku City Duma.[2][3]
After the Soviet occupation in Azerbaijan, the official campaign against religion began in 1928. In December of the same year, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan transferred many mosques, churches, and synagogues to the balance of clubs for educational purposes. If there were 3,000 mosques in Azerbaijan in 1917, by 1927, this number decreased to 1,700, and by 1933, it was only 17.[4] Kerbelayi Abdulla mosque was also affected during this period, with one of its minarets being used for hanging nearby wet laundry.[5] Another minaret was dismantled. Although the mosque was initially used as a residential building, it later served as a cardboard factory, warehouse, and painting studio for the Russian Drama Theater.[5]
After Azerbaijan regained its independence, the mosque's activities were restored in 1992 through the initiative of the local population.[5] With the decision numbered 132 issued by the Cabinet of Azerbaijan on August 2, 2001, the mosque was included in the list of locally significant immovable historical and cultural monuments.[6]
The "Kerbelayi Abdulla Mosque" registered with the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations of Azerbaijan, operates as a religious institution.[7]
The mosque, built of salt stones, lacks both a dome and a minaret.[1] The entrance to the prayer hall and the women's prayer area is separate and covered with curtains. The area of the prayer hall is 170 square meters.[1]
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