The oldest mosque in Russia has survived earthquakes, prisons, and Soviet-era atheism campaigns.

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Located in the historic heart of Derbent, the Juma Mosque stands as a testament to centuries of religious and political transformation. Completed in 734 CE, this architectural marvel has served as a center for prayer, a prison, and a protected cultural monument, remaining a vital symbol of the North Caucasus.

The Juma Mosque of Derbent, located in the Republic of Dagestan, holds the distinction of being the oldest mosque in Russia and the CIS. Its origins date back to 733 and 734 CE, a period when the city saw the construction of a mosque in each of its seven mahallahs, alongside this larger structure intended for communal Friday prayers. Originally built by Iranians before the Treaty of Gulistan, the mosque remains a central feature of the Old Derbent UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Throughout its long history, the structure has undergone significant physical and functional shifts. An earthquake necessitated a restoration in 1368–1369 by Tazhuddin of Baku, and a madrasa was added between 1474 and 1475. By 1815, the complex reached its final form. However, the 20th century brought severe challenges; during the 1930s, the Soviet atheism campaign led to the mosque's closure. Between 1938 and 1943, the building was repurposed as a city prison, before a decree from Moscow finally returned it to the city's imams for religious use.

Architecturally, the mosque is defined by its impressive scale and unique features. The main building spans 68 meters by 28 meters, with a dome reaching 17 meters in height. Inside, three naves are separated by square pillars and connected by lancet arches. The courtyard is equally notable for its four ancient plane trees, which were officially recognized as natural monuments of all-Russian significance in 2012. These trees serve as a landmark, visible from across the city, grounding the historic site in the natural landscape of Derbent.

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