Bolo-Khauz Complex in Bukhara

Bolo-Khauz Complex

Built in 1712, on the opposite side of the citadel of Ark in Registan district, Bolo Khauz Mosque is inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list along with the other parts of the historic city.

It served as a Friday mosque during the time when the emir of Bukhara was being subjugated under the Bolshevik Russian rule in 1920s.

Complex Elements

The mosque complex comprises several key elements:

• The Mosque Building: The main prayer hall, used during winter, is a rectangular structure featuring a traditional iwan (entrance hall). In 1917, an open-air summer prayer area was added, distinguished by its impressive 12-meter-high wooden columns adorned with intricate muqarnas (ornamental vaulting). These columns support a beautifully decorated ceiling, exemplifying the rich artistic heritage of the region.
• The Minaret: Adjacent to the mosque stands a minaret constructed in 1917. This structure complements the mosque's architectural ensemble and adds to its historical significance.
• The Hauz (Pond): In front of the mosque lies a pond, known as a hauz. Historically, such ponds were common in Bukhara, serving as essential water sources for the community.

The Bolo Khauz Mosque not only serves as a place of worship but also stands as a testament to the rich cultural and architectural traditions of Bukhara, reflecting the city's historical significance along the Silk Road.

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