The grand opening of the first minaret of the Saqi Mosque took place in August 14. Mufti of the Religious Administration of Muslims in Crimea Mr. Emirali Ablaev, main Imam of Saqi region and the town of Kezlev (Evpatoria) Mr.Emirasan Umerov, head of the Saqi region and the town of Kezlev Muslim community Mr.Saytasan Asanov, ag. Head of Saqi regional mejlis Mr.Eskender Bilyalov and the main sponsor of minaret construction Mr. Nariman Karakash were the special guests of the event.
The official part started with the afternoon prayer lead by the Crimean Mufti and duas (supplications) by everybody.
“We are witnessing more and more philanthropist among our nation who care for culture and spirituality and offer financial and other support as far as feasible. We understand that only we ourselves can revive our culture and religion as well as our living conditions and architecture. If we fail to do this - nobody will do this for us. I am sure that the patrons will not only sponsor reviving our historical, religious and cultural objects, but also help educating our children in the nearest future. Our children are our future, and our task is to raise them worthy sons and daughters of the Crimean Tatars Nation” - the Mufti noted.
After those opening words the Mufti expressed gratitude for Mr. Karakash who sponsored the minaret construction and handed him Certificate of Gratitude on the name of RAMC and Crimean Muslims along with the Holy Qur’an sample.
As the mosque is not only a religious and cultural object, but also a local sight, Mr.Saytasan Asanov and Mr.Eskender Bilyalov also took floor to express their gratitude.
It took 1 month and about $20.000 to build the minaret, using the old construction technologies which were used in the Ottoman Empire and the Crimean Khanate. You can see the historical analogues of the Saqi Mosque minaret at the Khan Saray Mosque (Khan Palace, Bakhchisaray) and at the Juma Jami in Kezlev.
Saqi Central Mosque was built in 1999 and had no minarets until now, though two minarets were designed into the construction project.
Now the members of the city Muslim community “Yani Jami” started searching sponsors to build the second minaret as well.
Source: qirimmuftiyat.org.ua
Related links:
The Orta Juma Jami Mosque Is To Be Open After Reconstruction
Religious Administration of Muslims of Crimea Published Book Series
