The mosque is named after the scholar Kul Sharif, who died with his students defending Kazan in 1552, when the first mosque was destroyed. The present mosque opened on 24 June 2005, during the city's millennium, with a turquoise dome, four minarets and mosaic and calligraphic decoration; at the time it was among the largest mosques in Europe.

It stands inside the UNESCO-listed Kazan Kremlin, beside the Annunciation Cathedral. We arrange your visit with an Arabic-speaking guide, mindful of prayer times; modest dress is best.