49 Rishelievska Street, Odesa
Phone: +380 482 37 91 60
The original new building of the Arab Cultural Center in Odesa has a strong potential to become an architectural landmark over time. The large structure, built in a Moorish style in 2001, was funded by the Arab businessman Adnan Kivan. The mosque stands out prominently in the cityscape and serves as a true eastern gem of Odesa. Upon entering the prayer hall, men and women are required to remove their shoes, and women are provided with long robes with hoods. The intricate designs on the railings of the stairs and architectural elements give the mosque’s interior a delicate and airy appearance. Aside from a few small shelves for books on the sides of the hall, there is no other furniture. The entire floor is covered with a soft carpet, with a pattern that appears to divide the carpet into equal squares, which serve as markers for seating arrangements for those praying. The main decoration under the ceiling is a large crystal chandelier that shines with hundreds of lights. The Arab Cultural Center in Odesa is open for tours that introduce visitors to Arab culture. It also hosts an Arabic language school and a library.
