Bibi-Khanym Mosque

This mosque was the first place I visited upon arriving in Samarkand, and it immediately sparked my interest in this unique and mysterious country 🫶🏻. We visited in June during the off-season and arrived quite early, so there were almost no other visitors. It was just us, stepping into the tranquil surroundings to experience the historical site and quietly admire the intricate details of Islamic architecture. Taking photos here truly highlights the insignificance of humans in comparison 🥹. If you're interested, you can even pay extra to join a guided tour!

It is a 10-minute walk from the Shahi Zinda Mausoleum Complex to the "Hazrat Hizr Mosque," located on the southern slope of the ancient city. Situated at a higher elevation, it offers views of the distant Samarkand cityscape and the nearby "Bibi-Khanym Mosque" right below (Photos 6, 7, 8, 9). This site was once the location of an ancient Zoroastrian temple, which was destroyed when Genghis Khan captured the city. The mosque was not built on this foundation until 1854. The Hazrat Hizr Mosque combines Arab and Persian architectural styles and is highly appreciable. It is famous for its beautiful Persian painted tiles, colorful ceiling murals, and uniquely styled stilted structure. After renovations in the 1990s, it still serves as an important religious site, where walking around you can deeply feel the strong Islamic religious atmosphere. Bibi-Khanym Mosque

#holidayitinerary Bibi-Khanym Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world, is a breathtaking testament to the region's rich cultural heritage. As I approached the mosque's majestic entrance, I was struck by the stunning proportions and intricate architecture, reflecting the ambition and vision of its founder, Timur. The mosque's history is steeped in legend, said to have been built by Timur as a tribute to his beloved wife, Bibi-Khanym. I marveled at the beautiful tilework and ornate mosaics that adorn the mosque's interior and exterior, a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of local artisans. The mosque's grandeur and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to experience the authentic essence of Samarkand's cultural legacy. Its stunning architecture and rich history make it an unforgettable part of any Central Asian itinerary. The mosque's beauty is truly awe-inspiring.

The great Uzbek warrior statesman Amir Timur ruled via the puppet khans in the khanate kingdoms in which he managed to consolidate his power. This was because Amir Timur himself was not a descendant of the Genghis Khan. Without this lineage he could not become the Khan. He became qurkan to the Khan’s family, meaning the “son-in-law,” by his marriage with his chief consort Saray Mulk Khanum. Saray Mulk Khanum, now known commonly as Bibi Khanym, meaning “the elder wife,” was the wife of Amir Timur’s predecessor, Amir Husayn of Balkh. After Amir Timur defeated and killed Amir Husayn, he married Saray Mulk Khanum, a daughter of Qazan Khan. She was a descendant of Genghis Khan. And this is the beginning of Bibi Khanym’s legacy in Samarkand. The group of monuments that bear her name originally consisted of three complexes. There was the madrasa, the Bibi Kanym Mosque, and Bibi Khanym’s Mausoleum. The Bibi Khanym madrasa was built to a very grand scale, but the structure was destroyed by Nadir Shah’s Persian troops when they invaded in 1740. By commissioning the madrasa, Bibi Khanym had intended to be the patron of education for Samarkand and the kingdom. Bibi Khanym is the chief consort of Amir Timur. The fact that she had access to the resources required to construct these three significant monuments (the mosque was built during his absence in Samarkand when he raged his military campaigns) that were named after her already suggests her influence in Amir Timur’s royal court. She oversaw not only his harem but also the affairs of the state. There is an interesting story about Bibi Khanym’s effort to build the mosque. She had intended the mosque to be a surprise for Amir Timur upon his return. The mosque’s architect fell deeply in love with her, and when she urged him to hurry to complete the work he demanded he be allowed to give her a kiss. The kiss left a permanent stain on her cheek; Timur saw it on his return and had the architect executed for his insolence. Legend has it that Bibi Khanym was beheaded too, but in fact she outlived Timur by four years. #bibikhanym #amirtimur #uzbekhistory #samarkand #uzbekheritage #uzbekistan #centralasia #madrasa #mosque

Visiting the Bibi-Khanym Mosque in Samarkand offers a captivating journey into the city’s rich history. Commissioned by Timur in the early 15th century, this mosque was once among the largest and most magnificent in the Islamic world. Dedicated to Timur’s wife, Saray Mulk Khanum, the mosque’s construction involved architects from Iran and India, along with the labor of ninety-five elephants transporting materials.   The mosque’s imposing entrance portal, or pishtak, stands 38 meters high, leading into a vast courtyard. The main dome rises to 41 meters, showcasing the architectural prowess of the Timurid era. Despite facing structural challenges over the centuries, including earthquakes and neglect, significant restoration efforts have returned much of the mosque to its former grandeur.   As a tourist, exploring the Bibi-Khanym Mosque provides insight into Samarkand’s historical significance and architectural beauty, reflecting the city’s status as a pivotal center along the Silk Road. #springwander #samarkand #uzbekistan

If you ask me what is the one thing in Uzbekistan you absolutely must not miss? I would tell you without any hesitation, it's Samarkand! It's so beautiful that words alone cannot do it justice, You have to be there in person to truly understand how stunning it is! 🌟 Must-visit ◎ Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis The intricate patterns complement the sea-like 🌊 blue perfectly, Wearing those ethnic clothes makes for an incredibly photogenic experience, Photography📸➕ sightseeing takes about an hour or so, You must take photos on the Avenue of Mausoleums!! I suggest coming in the morning When there are fewer people, and the light and shadows are better~ Ticket price 💰 40000 Som ◎ Registan Square The real-life setting of 'One Thousand and One Nights', a landmark of Samarkand, Home to 3️⃣ madrasahs, with the one on the left allowing access to the second floor, At night, there's a beautiful light 💡 show, Lights on at 19:30, show starts at 20:00, lasting for 30 minutes, Ticket price 💰 50000 Som ◎ Bibi-Khanym Mosque 🕌 One of the most iconic mosques in Central Asia, It was once destroyed by an earthquake and has been rebuilt, The stunning dome is something you can't miss! Ticket price 💰 30000 Som ◎ Afrasiab Museum Filled with incredibly beautiful excavated murals🖼️, Telling the story of Samarkand and our great Tang Dynasty, Ticket price 💰 30000 Som · The attractions in Samarkand are quite close to each other, Exploring them all is simply exhilarating! A feast for both the eyes and the soul~ “✈️Welcome to 🇺🇿 Samarkand!” ·

Among the many grand structures in Samarkand, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque 🕌 stands out as a particularly impressive sight. Although there is an entrance fee, once you pass through the enormous archway, you will be greeted by a vast courtyard measuring 167m by 109m 🤯 The blue dome reaches a height of approximately 40m, and its sheer scale is overwhelming, leaving you staring upwards with your mouth agape 😧 haha. While the interior tiles and lattice windows are also worth seeing, the mosque is so large that it's highly recommended to admire it from the outside as well 🤫🍃 【Tickets】 Bibi-Khanym Mosque 🎟️ 40,000 sum (≒ 450 yen) *As of September 2024 MX6J+72W, Bibikhonim Str., Samarkand, Samarkand Region, Uzbekistan 9:00-22:00