Juma Mosque in Tashkent
Tashkent Juma Mosque
Juma Mosque is a mosque in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Also known as the Dzhuma Mosque, it was built in 1451 by Sheikh Ubaydullo Khoja Akhror (1404–1490).
After the Arab conquest in the 8th century, the ancient Zoroastrian city of Tashkent (then called Chach) lay in ruins. In 819, Emir Yahya ibn Asad chose a hill between what is now Chorsu, Khodra, and Eski Juva squares to build the new city of “Madina al-Shash”—which in Turkic pronunciation became “Tashkent.” At the highest point of this hill, the foundation of the first Friday mosque in Tashkent was laid.
Historical Evolution
The original Friday mosque was destroyed and rebuilt many times. The most famous version was constructed in the 15th century and became the architectural symbol of Shashkent. After damage from the 1868 earthquake, it was restored in 1888 with funds from Russian Emperor Alexander III, earning the nickname “Tsar’s Mosque.”
Architectural Features
The mosque features a prominent cube structure with large domes. Over time, galleries and cells around the courtyard were added. It is the third-largest Friday mosque in Uzbekistan, after Bibi-Khanum in Samarkand and Kalyan in Bukhara.
The Legacy of Khoja Akhror
The mosque was commissioned by Ubaydullo Khoja Akhror, a prominent Sufi sheikh of the Naqshbandi order and an influential figure during the Timurid era. He was known for his teachings, spiritual leadership, and advocacy for the active role of Sufis in public life.
Decline and Restoration
The original madrassah built in 1451 no longer exists—its bricks were repurposed in 1954. However, parts of the original mosque structure were rebuilt in the 20th century. Today, the mosque stands with three domes and a restored prayer hall, preserving its religious and historical significance.
Spiritual and Cultural Impact
The Juma Mosque of Tashkent is not only a place of worship but a symbol of resilience and continuity in the city's Islamic heritage. Despite natural disasters and political changes, the mosque remains a sacred site for both locals and visitors.