Wafa hazrat Gilyaziev is a cult personality of Tatar Moslem community, he is considered the symbol of the revival of spiritual life in Kazan in the second half of the 20th century. He independently studied Koran and succeeded to being appointed muezzin in Marjani — the oldest mosque in Kazan. In 1970-s, he performed his hajj to Mecca, which was a heroic deed per se in the Soviet times. Having come back, he was appointed the Imam of Marjani.
During his times, the mosque was partially reconstructed, the praying rooms for women in the basement were extended, the inner yard was improved, and the façade was renovated. Understanding he need for rehabilitation of spiritual life in Kazan and for preservation of Moslem traditions, Wafa hazrat Gilyaziev spent many years trying to obtain a permit to erect a new mosque in one of the residential communities of the city. He managed to achieve the unachievable — to amend Kazan Master Plan and to get the allotment of a small parcel of land for the mosque. Only his very close associates knew how many letters he sent out to various authorities, how many meetings and negotiations he conducted before he received the support of government officials.
By the time the construction of the mosque commenced, Gilyaziev turned 64, but nevertheless, he scrutinized all the design aspects thoroughly and went into construction operations. Again, he had to negotiate with sponsors, contractors, suppliers of construction materials, of which there was a great shortage in those times. He had to abandon Marjani mosque and fully concentrate on the new one, the Imam of which he became even before laying its foundation. The construction period lased for almost two years, and finally more than one thousand people got together for the first service (namaz). The khutbah (Islamic sermon) was very solemn, because for the first time in the recent 50 years a new mosque opened in Kazan! The entire Moslem community believed it to be a great victory and the beginning of the revival of Islam.
However, the festive day was darkened — after the namaz Wafa hazrat Gilyaziev passed away in his office due to a heart attack. He was only 66. Ever since, the celebration of the opening of Nur Islam mosque for Kazan Moslems is associated with the memories of the man, who is the symbol of the spiritual revival.
The museum holds personal belongings of Gilyaziev: kazakin (the knee-length coat) and turban. These are his casual clothes; the Islamic clergy usually wear them in everyday life.
During his times, the mosque was partially reconstructed, the praying rooms for women in the basement were extended, the inner yard was improved, and the façade was renovated. Understanding he need for rehabilitation of spiritual life in Kazan and for preservation of Moslem traditions, Wafa hazrat Gilyaziev spent many years trying to obtain a permit to erect a new mosque in one of the residential communities of the city. He managed to achieve the unachievable — to amend Kazan Master Plan and to get the allotment of a small parcel of land for the mosque. Only his very close associates knew how many letters he sent out to various authorities, how many meetings and negotiations he conducted before he received the support of government officials.
By the time the construction of the mosque commenced, Gilyaziev turned 64, but nevertheless, he scrutinized all the design aspects thoroughly and went into construction operations. Again, he had to negotiate with sponsors, contractors, suppliers of construction materials, of which there was a great shortage in those times. He had to abandon Marjani mosque and fully concentrate on the new one, the Imam of which he became even before laying its foundation. The construction period lased for almost two years, and finally more than one thousand people got together for the first service (namaz). The khutbah (Islamic sermon) was very solemn, because for the first time in the recent 50 years a new mosque opened in Kazan! The entire Moslem community believed it to be a great victory and the beginning of the revival of Islam.
However, the festive day was darkened — after the namaz Wafa hazrat Gilyaziev passed away in his office due to a heart attack. He was only 66. Ever since, the celebration of the opening of Nur Islam mosque for Kazan Moslems is associated with the memories of the man, who is the symbol of the spiritual revival.
The museum holds personal belongings of Gilyaziev: kazakin (the knee-length coat) and turban. These are his casual clothes; the Islamic clergy usually wear them in everyday life.
