Scientists restore ancient mosque in Almaty region

A mosque with 30-year history. The reconstruction of an architectural and art complex built without a single nail is underway in Almaty region. The Zharkent Mosque belongs to the objects of unique architecture and is protected by the government. It was constructed by the Chinese architect Hon Piquet at the request of Vali Akhun Yuldashev in the late 90th of 19th century and served its purpose for about 30 years. The first restoration of the mosque was conducted from 1975 to 1978. Five more restoration works were carried out then. Each of them was attended by the master of art painting Kuanysh Seyitbekov.

“All these frescoes, bas-reliefs and arabesques – a stylized plant pattern are based on a philosophy of life. Look, how harmoniously all these numerous panels and the patterned ganch carving are, they create a kind of illusion of lace and paints. Although they have been faded over time, they didn’t lose their luster. I take part in the restoration of the museum for the second time and I’m still surprised by the skill of the architects of that time,” Seyitbekov said.

The colors of the mosque are green, red, yellow and blue. The murals on the outside have faded over time, but inside they have survived in their original form, the museum staff said.

“The secret of the components of the paints used in the painting of the mosque still has not been determined. Thanks to the unique selection method of all the components, the paints have not lost their brightness to this day,” said Raikhan Amireyeva, staff member of the art museum in Zharkent mosque.

 

Translation by Saniya Sakenova

Editing by Galiya Khassenkhanova