In Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital, mosques are more than places of worship—they are spaces of peace, harmony, and education that unite different segments of society. When Kyrgyzstan declared independence in 1991, there were about 40 mosques in the country. Today, that number has grown to more than 4,000, with over 100 located in Bishkek.
The Imam Serahsi Central Mosque
At the heart of the capital stands the Imam Serahsi Central Mosque, one of the largest in Central Asia. Construction began in 2012 and finished in 2018. Modeled after the Kocatepe Mosque in Türkiye’s capital Ankara, it can hold up to 30,000 worshippers across its 35-acre complex. The mosque impresses with a marble-clad exterior, gold-leaf details, and domes lit by glittering chandeliers.
The complex also houses religious service buildings and the mufti’s office. Many materials, including Ottoman-style decorations, were brought from Türkiye. Facilities extend beyond worship, with conference halls, Quran courses, social areas, and parking for 500 cars.
Imam Doolotbek Amanov said, “It is an important place of worship for all Muslims. The mosque contributes significantly to the spread of Islamic civilization in our country with its architecture and magnificent structure.” He added, “In addition to the five daily prayers, we organize Quran competitions here. We organize activities such as camps for children. It is our success that our children develop an understanding of how Muslim youth should be.”
The mosque also draws international visitors. “The Imam Serahsi Mosque not only brings joy to Muslims, but also attracts a lot of attention from people of other nationalities and religions, especially local and foreign tourists. Every day, a large number of tourists come from Europe, China, Korea, and Germany in particular,” Amanov said.
Turkish tourist Cebrail Bilet, visiting from Germany, explained: “I have wanted to come here for many years to learn about both Turkish history and Central Asian culture. I couldn’t miss the opportunity to visit Kyrgyzstan. I came to Bishkek and came across a very beautiful mosque. The mosque was built by Turks in accordance with Turkish architecture. It is very beautiful. Only such a mosque could suit Bishkek. Kyrgyz people are also Muslims. There are many places to eat halal food and pray. The existence of such a mosque must be good for Muslims.”
The Abdülkerim Satuk Buğrahan Mosque
Another landmark in Bishkek is the Abdülkerim Satuk Buğrahan Mosque, built on the campus of Kyrgyzstan-Türkiye Manas University. Named after the first Muslim Turkish ruler of Central Asia, the mosque doubles as a training ground for theology students.
Its design reflects Ottoman influence, with materials such as the minbar, mihrab, pulpit, carpets, and chandeliers brought from Türkiye. It accommodates around 4,000 worshippers indoors and up to 8,000 in the courtyard.
Imam Şahimardan Orunbekov said, “The mosque is a practical mosque for students of the Faculty of Theology at KTMU. Students develop themselves in the mosque in terms of using the education they receive in their professional lives.” He added that numbers swell to 15,000 during Friday and holiday prayers.
Orunbekov emphasized the mosque’s role in community life: “The Zhal neighborhood developed significantly after the mosque was built. The population increased, as did the number of people praying. The mosque served to unite the people. Various activities are held at our mosque every Friday. Students from the Faculty of Theology at KTMU develop themselves here by reading sermons and lectures.”
Courses for Muslims of all ages are held twice yearly. “Hundreds of children participate in our courses. The children teach what they learn here to their family members, thus encouraging them to start praying as well,” Orunbekov said. He also noted that the mosque hosts marriages, funerals, reconciliations, and naming ceremonies: “Our mosque has become a spiritual center that contributes to people living in unity and peace.”
According to Orunbekov, younger generations are shaping Kyrgyzstan’s religious landscape: “Our older siblings who lived during the Soviet era were educated according to the system of that period. The number of older people who come to the mosque is quite small. Most of the Muslims who come are between the ages of 20 and 50. The doors of the mosque are open to everyone, regardless of race, nationality, or religion. Many people come from other regions to visit this mosque.”
Abu Bakr as-Siddik Mosque
At the intersection of Ekindik Boulevard and Kurenkeyev Street stands the Abu Bakr as-Siddik Mosque, notable for its Uzbek-style architecture. Wooden verandas, pergolas, and warm-toned interiors with Timurid-inspired motifs define its character. The mosque emphasizes the mahalla (local community) culture in both form and function.
A Mosque with Arabic Influence
In 2017, the World Muslim Youth Organization Mosque was built in Alamüdün Pazarı, east of Bishkek. Inspired by Arabic architecture, it features a three-story structure, a light-colored stone façade, arched windows, and a blue-decorated central dome. Its slender minaret and simple interior make it a modern but spiritual landmark, able to host around 3,000 worshippers.