In 1508, or 914
Hijri by the Muslim calendar, Kebir Mosque was dedicated. Writing at the entrance of the mosque in
Arabic states: "This mosque was built for the Glory of the Mightiness of the Khan
Meñli I Giray, may Allah forgive all sins of himself and his children in the month of
Muharram in the year of nine hundred and fourteen". It is believed that the white walls of the mosque gave name to the medieval city of
Aqmescit (White Mosque). Through the years the mosque has undergone reconstruction many times. After
World War II Kebir mosque was left in a state of neglect. For several years the mosque was used as a book-cover workshop. After the return of the
Crimean Tatars from
deportation a revival of the old mosque began: in 1989 the mosque was given back to the Muslim community. Reconstruction began in late October 1991. Today, Kebir Mosque is the main
Friday mosque of Crimea, it is the residence of the
Mufti and the location of the
Spiritual Direction of the Muslims of Crimea. The grounds also included a
madrasah (educational institution) and the
Crimean Tatar library. ==See also==