Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Mosque in Bukhara, Uzbekistan
The Namozgoh Mosque, at the southern edge of Bukhara, takes its name from a Persian word meaning place of prayer: it is one of the mosques built for the two Eid prayers, when the townspeople gathered at a large open-air prayer ground outside the walls. It was founded in the 11th century by Shams al-Mulk, the Karakhanid ruler of Bukhara (1068 to 1080), behind the gate of the prayer ground; after it was destroyed, the Karakhanid ruler Muhammad Arslan ibn Sulayman ordered a new arch in 1119 to 1120 with a mihrab and a place for notables, and that is what survives. The façade faces west, with a baked-brick mihrab at the centre and an arch decorated with carved and glazed tiles. The mihrab is among the finest in Bukhara, with intricate geometric patterns, almond shapes and floral motifs, and the names of the Prophet Muhammad and his companions in calligraphy along the top. Part of it was renewed in the 14th century with inscription panels, fragments of which survive on the outer wall, mostly Quranic verses and sayings of the Prophet, and wings were added up to the 16th century. It is far from the crowds and shows an older layer of Bukhara than the Shaybanid monuments of the centre.
It is a historic mosque: dress modestly and keep quiet. Allow half an hour, and look closely at the mihrab. It is south of the historic centre, a short taxi ride, and can be combined with the Baland Mosque and other southern sights.
Hours and prices change — check before you go. Source: en.wikipedia.org
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