A 12,000-Square-Metre Masterpiece Adorns Nur Sultan Grand Mosque in Astana
Kazakhstan is set to enter the global spotlight with its bid for a Guinness World Record — the world’s largest carpet. The 12,000-square-metre rug, installed at the Nur Sultan Grand Mosque in Astana, covers an area equivalent to two and a half football fields. If the adjacent carpeted zones are included, the total expanse reaches an astounding 17,086 square metres, making it a monumental feat of craftsmanship and design.
The majestic carpet was commissioned for Nur Sultan Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in Central Asia, capable of accommodating up to 30,000 worshippers. Installed in August, the carpet symbolizes both spiritual devotion and artisanal excellence.
Crafted by India’s Renowned Carpet Maker “Hands”
The record-breaking project was entrusted to Hands, an Indian carpet manufacturer founded in 1881 by A. Tellerly in Bhadohi, near Varanasi — India’s historic carpet-making hub. The company, now led by the Patodia family, is known worldwide for merging traditional craftsmanship with modern design sensibilities and sustainable practices.
Commissioned amid the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the massive project posed logistical and creative challenges. Pranay Patodia, representing the new generation of Patodia Exports, describes the process as a remarkable collaboration of design and devotion:
“The carpet is a combination of masterful craftsmanship and an exquisite manufacturing structure. We designed it with deep consideration of the mosque’s architecture — from the light angles to the positioning of the pillars — ensuring harmony between form and function.”
At the center of the mosque lies a 70-metre medallion, positioned directly beneath a chandelier adorned with 1.5 million crystals, creating a breathtaking visual alignment.
A Fusion of Art, Engineering, and Spiritual Expression
The production of this colossal carpet engaged 1,000 artisans, who completed the project in just 50 days. It required 80 tonnes of premium New Zealand wool, meticulously spun and dyed to achieve perfect consistency and durability.
Patodia adds,
“We’ve been striving to elevate carpet-making to an intricate art form. This project reflects not only our technical expertise but also a celebration of spiritual beauty through craftsmanship.”
The carpet’s serene composition and color harmony are designed to inspire peace and contemplation — echoing the tranquil aura of the mosque itself, which rivals the Great Pyramid of Giza in height.
A Symbol of Collaboration Between Central Asia and India
The Nur Sultan Grand Mosque carpet, dedicated to Kazakhstan’s first president Nursultan Nazarbayev (1991–2019), stands as a testament to the enduring cultural ties between Kazakhstan and India. Beyond its physical magnitude, it represents a shared legacy of artistry and devotion.
Hands showcased a detailed behind-the-scenes account of this extraordinary creation at Downtown Design 2022 in Dubai Design District, earning global admiration for its vision and execution.
As Kazakhstan awaits Guinness World Records’ approval, the monumental carpet in Astana’s grand mosque already holds a place in history — as a symbol of unity, creativity, and timeless craftsmanship.
