St. Sophia Cathedral (Almaty)
St. Sophia Cathedral (Kazakh: Әулие София соборы, Äuliye Sofiya sobory) is a cathedral located in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Construction began in 1904 and was completed in 1907. It is a prominent example of Russian Orthodox architecture in the city. The cathedral's design is characteristic of the Neo-Byzantine style, featuring a prominent central dome and smaller surrounding domes. It served as a central place of worship for the city's Russian Orthodox community for many decades.
During the Soviet period, the cathedral faced periods of closure and repurposing, typical of religious sites under communist rule. However, it has since been restored and is once again functioning as an active cathedral. The specific details of its history during the Soviet era and subsequent restoration require further research to fully elucidate. Information regarding its current status as a place of worship, including services held and affiliated clergy, is also sought. The cathedral’s architectural details and significance within the wider context of Almaty's history and cultural landscape warrant more in-depth study.