The building commemorates Tatarstan’s adoption of Islam in 922. Atop a white-marble podium in the form of an eight-pointed star, the world’s largest Quran is exhibited in the centre of the hall; also on display is a three-dimensional map, made of dolomite, shells, limestone, marble, and metal, that records the route followed by the Abbasid Caliph al-Muqtadir bi-llah Al-Muktadir to meet the King of the Volga Bulgars. A reinforced concrete structure was employed for the single-chamber hall that is surmounted by a dome and dressed in white Italian marble; the interior muqarnas, calligraphy, marble rosettes, and floral and geometric ornamentation were all produced in Italy. A conference facility is housed on the lower level.
Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture
