The Ertogrul Gazi Mosque embodies the Ottoman refinement

The Ertogrul Gazi Mosque is one of the most beautiful Muslim shrines in Ashgabat. The majestic building is located in the historical centre of the Turkmen capital. This is one of the first mosques built in Turkmenistan in the years of independence. It was opened in 1998. Until quite recently, the Ertogrul Gazi Mosque was the largest mosque in the Turkmen capital. The building has a capacity of 5000.

The idea of building a mosque was proposed by the Turkish Prime Minister Suleyman Demirel in 1992. The foundation of the mosque was laid in January 1993. Built in the Ottoman style, it became a gift to the Turkmen people from fraternal Turkey. The mosque was named after Ertogrul Gazi, the father of Osman I, who became the founder of the Ottoman Empire, conquering the entire west of Asia Minor.

The unique architecture of the building, which harmoniously combines the Islamic and Byzantine styles, is exciting. The mosque resembles the Blue Mosque of Istanbul. Four of its minarets have 62.22 metres height.

A marble road with the fountains on the sides leads to the doors of the shrine. An extensive courtyard with a small fountain in the centre adorns the mosque. The doors represent the finest work; not a single nail was used in their production. They are decorated with hexagonal ornaments. Skilful Turkish artisans created these masterpieces. The gilded hand-written scriptures from the Koran are inscribed on the walls of the mosque.

The prayer hall and the luxurious painting of the central dome amaze with grandeur. The floor of the prayer hall is covered with the huge carpet divided into small sectors – places for the worshipers. The first floor is designed for men, and women pray on the balconies on the second floor in the mosque.

Mihrab, a semi-circular niche in the centre of the wall indicating the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, is the place, where the imam prays. Minbar, a raised platform, from which the imam addresses the worshipers during the holidays and Friday prayers, is located to the right of mihrab.

160 tons of lead was used in the manufacture of the domes and roof of the mosque, however it did not affect the visual lightness and refinement of the mosque. The shrine has another unique feature that travellers will not find anywhere in the world. A large marble tablet with the names of those who built this landmark is installed on the wall of the mosque.