Khoja Ziemurod Mosque

Samarkand is an ancient city famous for its architecture, one of its historical buildings is the Khoja Ziemurod Mosque. It was built in the 19th century on a foundation dating back to the pre-Mongol period. The mosque has a spacious courtyard, and there is a minaret next to it. There is also an ivan terrace on the territory, which is supported by columns. Each historical building is a witness to the development of the city, they introduce tourists to its history, culture and way of life.

Samarkand has a long history, during which there were difficult times when it was captured by enemies, and periods of prosperity in various areas of life. The city was an important point on the route of the Great Silk Road, caravans with goods going from China to Europe stopped here. Merchants and travelers, stopping in the city, exchanged their views with the residents, shared the cultural and spiritual achievements of their states, and various religious teachings were also disseminated.

Samarkand has repeatedly become a desirable object for various conquerors. The city was captured by Alexander the Great, and for some time it was under the rule of the Arabs. In the first half of the 13th century, the Mongol Empire, which was gaining power, turned its attention to the city. Troops led by Genghis Khan invaded Samarkand, plundered it and destroyed many buildings. During the reign of Timur, who made the city the capital of his empire, the construction of architectural objects took place, which became a real decoration of the city. The Timurid dynasty, founded by Timur, has done a lot for the cultural and spiritual development of its capital.

During the period when Ulugbek ruled the empire, Samarkand turned into a major scientific center, thanks to his efforts, prominent Islamic astronomers and mathematicians began to work here. In the second half of the 19th century, the city became part of the Russian Empire.

The rich historical and cultural heritage, architecture, giving an idea of the life of the city in different eras, make the city attractive for tourists. It is worth mentioning the delicious local cuisine, which for many is one of the symbols of the city.

History and architecture

One of the oldest historical buildings in the city of Samarkand is the Khoja Ziemurod Mosque. The modern mosque building was built on an existing foundation dating back to the beginning of the 10th century. At the base of the foundation, during the restoration work, a masonry of bricks made during the existence of the Seljuk Empire, which was under the rule of the ruler of Sanjar, was discovered. The legend tells about the relics of Jirgis transferred by Tamerlane to this place, which were buried near the walls of the mosque.

The belief says that prayer, pronounced within the walls of the mosque, contributes to the rapid realization of good wishes, which corresponds to its name — Khoja Ziemurod. The old mosque building had a large dome, destroyed by the elements, and the structure was covered with wooden beams. At the end of the 19th century, an aivan topped with a minaret was built around the mosque. Ivan attracts the attention of tourists with its colorful paintings. The mosque continued to function during the Soviet years. The last work on its reconstruction was carried out in the nineties of the XX century.

There are several sites near the attraction that will also be interesting to visit. One of them is Siab Bazaar, a colorful oriental bazaar where you can buy vegetables, fruits, nuts, spices, sweets (among them there are quite exotic ones), cereals and other products. The works of masters of applied art are also sold here. The special atmosphere makes this place a must-visit for those who want to immerse themselves in the local flavor.

Another attraction nearby is the Bibi Khanum Mosque, a restored architectural monument from the 15th century. Its grandiose scale and beauty are admirable, the mosque is decorated with carved marble, tiles and murals. It is believed that Tamerlane built it in honor of one of his successful campaigns.

Registan Square is also located in the district, where you can see ancient madrasahs, they serve as an example of the skill of oriental architects.