Tatar mosque in Novogrudok

History of the Tatar Mosque in Novogrudok

It is known that a mosque in Novogrudok already existed in the 16th century. In 1792, the Tatars of Novogrudok received a privilege from King Stanisław August Poniatowski to build a new mosque, and in 1796 it was erected.

In 1853, retired major Alexander Asanovich and the mosque’s khatib A. Bogdanovich appealed to the authorities with a request to construct a new building. Two years later, in 1855, a new mosque was opened on Asanovich’s initiative. A religious school — maktab — operated at the mosque, where children studied the basics of Islam and Arabic script.

In 1929, the mosque was visited by the President of Poland, Ignacy Mościcki, which became an important event for the local Tatar community. In 1934–1935, the building underwent major renovations: the roof was covered with galvanized iron, and the walls and interior were fully restored.

After World War II, in 1948, the mosque was closed and converted into a residential building. Only in 1994 was the building returned to the believers, and its restoration began. The solemn reopening took place on July 11, 1997 — marking the 600th anniversary of the Tatar settlement on the territory of Belarus.

Architecture and Interior Design of the Mosque

The Tatar Mosque in Novogrudok is a square-shaped building with a mihrab covered by a tented roof. In the center rises a slender minaret crowned with a dome, built in the traditions of Islamic architecture typical of Asia Minor and Iran in the 16th–17th centuries.

The interior of the mosque is divided into two parts — male and female, each with a separate entrance. In the male section, there is a mihrab with a minbar, accessed by a carved wooden staircase with handrails. The walls are paneled, and the windows and doors are framed with white trim, creating an atmosphere of simplicity and purity.

Current State

Today, The Tatar Mosque in Novogrudok once again serves as an active Muslim place of worship. Prayers are held here, religious holidays are celebrated, and meetings of the Tatar community of Belarus take place. The mosque is also included in tourist routes dedicated to the cultural and spiritual heritage of the country.

Excursions with a Visit to the Tatar Mosque

A visit to The Tatar Mosque in Novogrudok is included in several excursions around Belarus, introducing tourists to unique monuments of religious architecture. This journey allows visitors to learn about the history of the Tatars who settled in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania more than six centuries ago and to feel the atmosphere of tolerance characteristic of Belarusian land.

You can visit The Tatar Mosque in Novogrudok, stroll through the ancient city, and learn more about its rich history as part of one-day and multi-day individual tours such as Road of Castles: Mir - Novogrudok - Lida, Art and Craft (Novogrudok - Berezovka), In the Footsteps of Adam Mickiewicz, Novogrudok - Lida, Grodno - Korobchitsy - Mir - Novogrudok (2 days), Minsk - Dudutki - Mir - Novogrudok (2 days).