The oldest building in Simferopol, the mosque was built in the early 16th century. It is the residence of a mufti and also houses the Muslim Religious Board for Crimea. The mosque was rebuilt many times, changing its appearance. The style it has today was borrowed from iconic Turkish architecture. After World War II, the Kebir-Jami Mosque was in a neglected state and accommodated a bookbindery. In 1989, the mosque was returned to the local Muslim community.