DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Bolo Hauz Mosque

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°4
Bolo Hauz Mosque (Uzbekistan)

Weather…

The Bolo Hauz Mosque in Bukhara, located directly opposite the Ark Fortress, is renowned for its exceptional wooden architecture and elegant craftsmanship. Built in 1712, it served as the official place of worship for the Emir of Bukhara during Friday prayers. The most striking feature of the mosque is its expansive iwan (porch), supported by 20 slender wooden pillars that stand over 12 meters high. When reflected in the still waters of the adjacent pool (hauz), these pillars appear as 40, leading to its local nickname, the "Mosque of 40 Columns." The ceiling of the iwan is richly decorated with colorful geometric paintings that have retained their brilliance for centuries. A small minaret, added in the early 20th century, stands nearby, completing the ensemble. Still an active place of prayer, the mosque is a masterpiece of late Central Asian Islamic design.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C13101725303229231571
Rain mm1627272310200051513

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The Bolo Hauz Mosque is a religious and cultural landmark that can be viewed from outside. The interior may not be accessible to tourists during prayer times.
🕒
Typical hours
The mosque is typically open to visitors during daytime, excluding the five daily prayer times. On Fridays, access is often restricted.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed in the courtyard and at the facade. In the prayer hall, photography is usually not permitted to maintain the religious atmosphere.
⏱️
Time needed
Allow about 30-45 minutes to visit the mosque and its surroundings. The arcade area with wooden pillars invites lingering.
➕
Combine with
Combine the visit with the nearby Ark Citadel and Registan Square. The old town of Bukhara is within walking distance.
🧭
Getting there
The mosque is located in central Bukhara, opposite the Ark Fortress. It is easily reachable on foot from the historic city center.
💡
Insider tip
Visit the mosque early in the morning for the best photo light. Respect the dress code - cover shoulders and knees.

Geography

Coordinates
39.77790, 64.40980

Facts

  • Built in the year 1712
  • Known locally as the Mosque of 40 Columns
  • Supported by 20 slender wooden pillars
  • Pillars are over 12 meters in height
  • Located opposite the Ark Fortress
  • The minaret was added in 1917

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ark of BukharaArk of Bukhara<1 km · NExplore →
Chor MinorChor Minor2 km · NExplore →
Sitorai Mokhi-KhosaSitorai Mokhi-Khosa4 km · NEExplore →
Jeyran EcocenterJeyran Ecocenter23 km · SWExplore →
Bukhara Deer Breeding CenterBukhara Deer Breeding Center27 km · SWExplore →
GijduvanGijduvan32 km · NEExplore →
Lake TudakulLake Tudakul47 km · NExplore →
Tudakul LakeTudakul Lake49 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Bolo Hauz Mosque (4)

Mogila Khozha Aspgardon📍 landmark

The sacred burial site of Khozha Aspgardon, a local pilgrimage spot with a simple, venerable tomb.

Woman with child monument📍 landmark

A prominent monument in the Bolo-Hauz district depicting a woman with a child, symbolizing family values.

Museum of nature🏛 museum

A museum showcasing the flora and fauna of the Bukhara region through various dioramas and exhibits.

Modarikhan Madrasah📍 landmark

Part of the 16th-century Kosh-Madrasah ensemble, impressive for its monumental portal and brick mosaics.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When is the Bolo-Hauz Mosque open?
It is open during the day for prayers; visitors should arrive outside prayer times.
Is there an entrance fee?
Access is generally free, but donations are welcome.
Do I need a special dress code?
Yes, shoulders and knees should be covered; women should wear a headscarf.
Is photography allowed inside?
Outdoor photos are allowed, but inside, photography should be avoided out of respect for worshippers.
How long does a visit take?
A visit takes about 20 to 30 minutes to admire the wooden architecture.
Bolo Hauz Mosque: where is it located?
Bolo Hauz Mosque is located in Uzbekistan.
Bolo Hauz Mosque: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mogila Khozha Aspgardon, Woman with child monument, Museum of nature.
Bolo Hauz Mosque: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Sep.
Bolo Hauz Mosque: why is it worth visiting?
The Bolo Hauz Mosque in Bukhara, located directly opposite the Ark Fortress, is renowned for its exceptional wooden architecture and elegant craftsmanship.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Asia
More places in Uzbekistan →

Nearby cities

Bukhara — Bolo Hauz Mosque (Uzbekistan)
Bukhara
Historical city on the Silk Road with countless mosques and madrasas.
Tudakul Lake — Bolo Hauz Mosque (Uzbekistan)
Tudakul Lake
A massive saltwater reservoir in the Kyzylkum Desert, known as a recreational area for water sports, fishing, and luxury resorts.
Saýat — Bolo Hauz Mosque (Uzbekistan)
Saýat
A city southeast of Türkmenabat characterized by cotton cultivation.

History & landmarks

Gijduvan — Bolo Hauz Mosque (Uzbekistan)
Gijduvan
The center of Uzbek ceramic art, famous for its unique pottery school and the historic Ulugbek Madrasah.
Magok-i-Attari — Bolo Hauz Mosque (Uzbekistan)
Magok-i-Attari
One of the oldest surviving mosques in Bukhara, situated below ground level and showing pre-Islamic influences.
Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa — Bolo Hauz Mosque (Uzbekistan)
Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa
The summer palace of the last Emir of Bukhara fascinatingly combines Oriental and Russian architectural styles.

Nature

Lake Tudakul — Bolo Hauz Mosque (Uzbekistan)
Lake Tudakul
An oasis lake in the desert near Bukhara, known for its rich birdlife and as a resort.
Zarafshan River — Bolo Hauz Mosque (Uzbekistan)
Zarafshan River
An important river that flows through Samarkand and Bukhara, acting as the lifeblood of these historic oasis cities.

More places

Ark of Bukhara — Bolo Hauz Mosque (Uzbekistan)
Ark of Bukhara
This massive fortress was the residence of the Emirs of Bukhara for centuries.
Po-i-Kalyan — Bolo Hauz Mosque (Uzbekistan)
Po-i-Kalyan
An architectural complex in the center of Bukhara, famous for its impressive minaret that even Genghis Khan spared.
Samanid Mausoleum — Bolo Hauz Mosque (Uzbekistan)
Samanid Mausoleum
An architectural jewel in Bukhara, considered one of the oldest and most important buildings in Central Asian architecture.
Lyab-i-Hauz — Bolo Hauz Mosque (Uzbekistan)
Lyab-i-Hauz
A picturesque square in Bukhara built around a historic pool (Hauz), surrounded by ancient madrasahs.
Chor Minor — Bolo Hauz Mosque (Uzbekistan)
Chor Minor
A charming and unusual gatehouse in Bukhara, known for its four distinctive blue-tiled domes.
Jeyran Ecocenter — Bolo Hauz Mosque (Uzbekistan)
Jeyran Ecocenter
A specialized nature reserve for the breeding and conservation of rare desert animals, particularly the goitered gazelle.
Bukhara Deer Breeding Center — Bolo Hauz Mosque (Uzbekistan)
Bukhara Deer Breeding Center
A critical facility for the rescue of the endemic Bukhara deer, which is closely tied to the ecosystem of river oases.
🗺️
Bukhara Oil Refinery
One of the country's main oil refineries, producing high-quality fuels and lubricants.