ABDULKERIM SATUK BUGRAHAN MOSQUE
The mosque, which was planned to be built upon the need for professional education of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University Faculty of Theology students, was established by a foundation established by the Manas University Rectorate and the Dean of the Faculty of Theology and was opened in September 2011. The Eurasian Science and Culture Foundation (ABİKVA), which was established at the beginning of 2012, undertook the construction of both the Faculty of Theology building and the practice mosque. The construction of such a mosque, which had very high and troublesome construction costs, was completed thanks to the large amount of contributions from Manas University as well as certain institutions and organizations in Turkey and many philanthropists. The high cost was managed to overcome thanks to significant contributions of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey, Turkey Diyanet Foundation, The Presidency of the Prime Ministry Promotion Fund TIKA and many wealthy philanthropists from Istanbul. The names of these institutions and individuals who contributed more than one hundred thousand dollars to the completion of the project were written on the inscription at the entrance of the Mosque in order of contribution. This mosque was completed with the patronage and support of Manas University Rector Prof. PhD Sebahattin Balcı, who was on duty at that time, Acting Rector Prof. PhD Asilbek Kulmırzayev and Dean of the Faculty of Theology Prof. PhD Suat Cebeci. This mighty architectural structure is a great gift from Turkey to Kyrgyz citizens.
Building Materials of the Mosque
The pulpit, mihrab and lectern, which are the most important marble parts of the mosque, were built in Turkey; the carpets were woven in Turkey; chandeliers and tile panels were also brought from Turkey. The aluminum used in the outer coating was supplied from Kazakhstan. Arabic inscriptions inside the mosque and on the doors were written by master calligraphers from Turkey. The interior decoration work was done by masters from Turkey and Kyrgyz masters trained in Turkey.
Architectural Dimensions and Capacity of the Mosque
The construction area of the mosque is 2000 m², and the total closed area for prayers is 2500 m². Approximately 4 thousand people can pray at the same time in the closed area. If needed, this number can go up to 5,000. In addition, with the 5000 m² paved area around the mosque, it becomes possible for 7-8 thousand people to pray in total, depending on the season and climate conditions. The height of the dome, which rises on 8 columns, is 34 meters and the diameter of the dome is 26 meters. There are two minarets in the mosque, each of which has three balconies. The height of the minarets is 58 meters from the ground, and the magnificent minarets make the Mosque appear very majestic from far distances. Kyrgyz motifs were also used in the decorations of the mosque, which was built in accordance with the Ottoman architecture. The construction of Abdülkerim Satuk Buğra Han Mosque, the construction of which started on April 26, 2012, was completed in about three years.
Other Usage Areas in the Mosque
There are separate toilets and ablution areas for men and women under the mosque. There is a shower cabin in each sides and a toilet cabin for the disabled to be used in case of need. There is a fully equipped gasilhane for washing the corpse and a cold room (morgue) where the corpse can be kept intact if needed. In addition to these, there is a three-room staff house (lodging) with an area of 100 m² under the mosque, as well as a staff room with a toilet, bathroom and kitchen. The mosque was originally designed not only as a place of worship, but also as a complex that could be used as a cultural center with its 500 m² large hall, reading and seminar rooms.
The Reason for Giving the Mosque the Name of Abdulkerim Satuk Buğra Han
This magnificent work, which was built with the intention of standing in the way of Allah for centuries and serving the Kyrgyz people for a long time, is a rare gift and an unforgettable memory of the dear Turkish nation to its Kyrgyz brothers. It was thought that it would be appropriate for this Mosque, which was built as a rare work in the geography of Turkestan, to bear the name of an outstanding person who was famous in this geography in the past. For this reason, it was very appropriate to give this mosque the name of Karahanlı Abdülkerim Satuk Buğra Han, who was the first Muslim Turkish ruler to spread Islam in Central Asia. This name was proposed to the Rectorate by the Faculty of Theology and approved by the University Senate. In addition, the Kyrgyzstan Presidency found this proposal appropriate.
Abdülkerim Satuk Buğra Han Mosque was put into service for the Kyrgyz people on February 30, 2015. All works in the mosque are carried out with the support of the "Science and Youth Foundation", which was established under the chairmanship of Assoc. Prof. PhD Bakit Murzaraimov. The members of the Faculty of Theology, Department of Islamic Sciences were appointed by the Rectorate and Dean's Office as mosque officials. Currently Instructor Farhat Yusupov, Instructor Sabir Murataliyev and Research Assistant Shohimardan Orunbekov are working as staff of the Mosque. Abdulkerim Satuk Buğra Han Mosque serves thousands of Muslims in Friday and Eid prayers as well as time prayers.
