The Kėdainiai minaret is the only free-standing minaret in Lithuania. It is located in the city of Kėdainiai, in the city park, between the Kėdainiai train station and the Dotnuvėlė River.
| Kėdainiai minaret | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Islam |
| Location | |
| Location | Kėdainiai, Lithuania |
| Municipality | Kėdainiai district municipality |
  Shown within Lithuania | |
| Geographic coordinates | 55°10′22″N 23°35′01″E / 55.1729°N 23.5835°E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Minaret |
| Style | Ottoman |
| Completed | 1880 |
| Height (max) | 25 m (82 ft) |
History
editThe minaret was erected in 1880 by a Russian general, Eduard Totleben, who was the owner of an estate in Kėdainiai. It was built to commemorate his service in the Russian-Turkish war, in which he had participated. Local legend claims that it was constructed in memory of his Turkish lover.[1][2]
Architecture
editThe minaret is typical of Ottoman architecture. It is needle-topped, 25 meters high and has a balcony which can be reached by interior stairs. There are two plaques affixed to its wall. One is written in Ottoman Turkish and describes a beautiful palace built by the Ottoman sultan. The second plaque bears an Arabic inscription from the Koran, sura Al-Baqara, verse 255 āyatu-l-kursī which says "Who is it that can intercede with Him (God) except by His (God's) permission" ?
The minaret is a local architectural monument.
References
edit- ^ http://www.bernardinai.lt/straipsnis/2010-08-11-kedainiu-krasto-istorijoje-totlebenu-seimos-pedsakai/48794/print [dead link]
- ^ "Mūsų paveldas - Objektas". Archived from the original on 2011-06-22. Retrieved 2012-03-21.
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