Madrasah and Jami Mosque

The authentic decoration of Kokand Chorsu Square is the ancient Jami Mosque. The townspeople cannot imagine their hometown without this majestic mosque. It seemed like she had always been there. Indeed, in the historical chronicles of the IX-XII centuries there are mentions of the cathedral mosque in Kokand, which stood on the same place, on Chorsu Square. But during the Mongol conquests, the Jami Mosque, like the entire city, was destroyed.

However, the current mosque dates back to the 19th century. In 1805, the Kokand ruler Olimkhan began the construction of the cathedral mosque, but the construction was stopped: the rector of the mosque opposed the construction of the mosque with funds collected by force from the people. It was only in 1814 that the enlightened and humane ruler of the Kokand Khanate, Umarkhan (brother of Olimkhan), again began construction of the Jami Mosque, which is rightfully considered Umarkhan's brainchild. He invited a talented architect from Ura-Tyube to lead the construction. He had 200 equally talented builders working under him. Two years later, the Jami Mosque was built. It was truly a monumental structure. The fame of his beauty has spread far beyond the borders of Kokand. 

The western part of the huge courtyard of the mosque is occupied by an extensive ivan, the roof of which is supported by 98 columns, and a khanaka. Ivan's columns are a special work of art. They are finely painted with paints with the addition of gold. And the khanaka is famous for its high painted ceiling. The walls of the mosque still retain their filigree gancha carvings. There were hujras and classrooms around the perimeter of the courtyard, as there was also a madrasa attached to the mosque. The madrasa operated until 1918, and the mosque until 1930.

In the center of the courtyard stands a 22.5-meter-high minaret, from here the muezzin called the faithful to prayer. A stone minaret with smooth annular burnt brick masonry and a six-arch lantern is topped with a faceted dome. From the top of the minaret, one could see the whole of Kokand. According to legend, criminals and wives convicted of infidelity were thrown off him. Of course, the beauty and nobility of the architecture of the Jami Mosque puts it on a par with the architectural monuments of Bukhara and Samarkand.