Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Mosque in Bukhara, Uzbekistan
The Khoja Gaukushan Ensemble is one of the largest architectural complexes in central Bukhara, between Lyab-i Hauz and the Kalyan Minaret, and part of the Historic Centre of Bukhara World Heritage Site. Gaukushan means killing bulls in Persian, as the site was once a cattle market and, before that, a slaughterhouse. It was built in 1570 under the Shaybanid Abdullah Khan II, paid for by the Juybari sheikh Khoja Sa'd, known as Khoja Kalon, the great khoja, who gave the complex its name. It includes a courtyard madrasa with a trapezoidal plan because it stands at a fork in the streets, the Friday mosque known as the Khoja Mosque, added to the north in 1598, and the broad Khoja Kalon minaret, as wide as the famous Kalyan Minaret but shorter. In front is a pool and a small shaded square, one of the calmer corners of the historic centre despite being close to the covered bazaars.
According to Wikivoyage it is closed for restoration and can only be seen from outside, so make it a brief stop on your way between Lyab-i Hauz and the Kalyan Minaret. The minaret and madrasa façade are worth a pause, especially in morning light. Ask locally whether it has reopened.
Hours and prices change — check before you go. Source: en.wikipedia.org
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