Originally, the mosque was built in the Kazan Kremlin in the 16th century. It was named after Kul Sharif, who was a religious scholar who served there. Kul Sharif died along with his numerous students while defending Kazan from Russian forces in 1552 during the Siege of Kazan, and the mosque was destroyed by Ivan the Terrible's forces.[1] It is believed that the building featured minarets, both in the form of cupolas and tents.

 The mosque displays several detail through mosaics, ornaments, calligraphy, and more.