Juma — the oldest mosque in Russia

The main mosque of Derbent was built in the year 733. “Juma” is not a name, but a designation for a mosque where Friday prayers are held. It is an active place of worship, but tourists are welcome to visit outside of prayer times. Don’t forget to take special clothing at the entrance — it should be worn as a sign of respect for the faithful and the clergy. Next to this architectural monument grow plane trees over 800 years old. The square in front of the mosque and the white stone pillar standing there were described in travel notes by Alexandre Dumas, who visited Derbent in 1858.