DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Magok-i-Attari

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°11
Magok-i-Attari (Uzbekistan)

Weather…

Magok-i-Attari is the oldest surviving mosque in Bukhara and a remarkable witness to the city's complex religious history. Its name means "Pit of the Herbalists," referring to the fact that the building now sits significantly below the modern street level due to accumulated layers of history. Built in the 12th century on the site of a pre-Islamic Zoroastrian temple, the mosque represents the spiritual evolution of the region. The southern facade is a masterpiece of early Islamic brickwork, featuring intricate patterns and terracotta ornaments that were hidden under sand for centuries until excavated in the 1930s. Interestingly, historical accounts suggest that the mosque was shared by Muslims and Jews for prayer before the city's first synagogue was built. Today, the building houses a museum of carpets, showcasing the rich textile traditions of Bukhara and Central Asia.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C13101725303229231571
Rain mm1627272310200051513

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
Magok-i-Attari Mosque in Bukhara is one of the oldest surviving mosques, situated below street level. Visitors can admire the unique architecture with pre-Islamic influences.
🕒
Typical hours
The mosque is typically open to visitors daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It may close briefly during prayer times; plan your visit outside those hours.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed inside and outside the mosque, but without flash. The intricate brick patterns and play of light offer excellent photo subjects.
⏱️
Time needed
A visit to the mosque takes about 20-30 minutes. Combine it with a walk through Bukhara's historic center for a half-day outing.
➕
Combine with
The mosque is near the Lyab-i Hauz ensemble and the Kalon Mosque. These attractions are within walking distance and form a route through the old town.
🧭
Getting there
The mosque is in Bukhara's historic center, easily reachable on foot. Taxis and buses stop nearby; the old town is best explored by walking.
💡
Insider tip
Visit the mosque in the late afternoon when light streams through the windows. Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, as a sign of respect.

Geography

Coordinates
39.77310, 64.41720

Facts

  • Oldest mosque in Bukhara (12th century)
  • Name means "Pit of the Herbalists"
  • Built over a Zoroastrian temple site
  • Famous for its decorative brick facade
  • Historically shared by Muslims and Jews
  • Now functions as a carpet museum

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Po-i-KalyanPo-i-Kalyan<1 km · SEExplore →
BukharaBukhara1 km · NExplore →
Samanid MausoleumSamanid Mausoleum2 km · SExplore →
Sitorai Mokhi-KhosaSitorai Mokhi-Khosa4 km · NEExplore →
Jeyran EcocenterJeyran Ecocenter24 km · SWExplore →
Bukhara Deer Breeding CenterBukhara Deer Breeding Center28 km · SExplore →
GijduvanGijduvan32 km · NEExplore →
Lake TudakulLake Tudakul46 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 Magok-i-Attari (11)

"Ustoz Shogird" Children's Center for Applied Arts🎭 culture

A center for applied arts where children and youth learn traditional Bukharan craft techniques from experienced masters.

Blacksmith workshop and museum🏛 museum

A working forge and museum showcasing the centuries-old tradition of metalworking and knife-making in Bukhara.

Bukhara Photo Gallery🏛 museum

Housed in an old madrasa, this gallery displays evocative black-and-white photographs documenting life in old Bukhara.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-19:00

Fayzulla Khodjaev house museum🏛 museum

The former home of an influential 19th-century politician has insights into the lifestyle of wealthy Bukharan merchants.

🕒 Mo-Sa 09:00-18:00

Ruiny ban'🏺 historical

These ancient brick remains of a traditional bathhouse are located near the Magoki Attori mosque.

Ohel Itskhak Synagogue⛪ religious

This historic synagogue in the Jewish quarter is a center of the centuries-old culture of Bukharian Jews.

Namozgoh📍 landmark

A historic open-air prayer site featuring a long, richly decorated wall used during major Islamic festivals.

Boboyi Poraduz🏺 historical

This mausoleum is dedicated to the patron saint of tailors and showcases the typical brick architecture of Central Asian holy tombs.

Shayx Jalol Qal`a darvozasi📍 landmark

One of the imposing historic gates of the old city wall, built with massive brick arches and bastions.

Pochakul Khoja Mosque📍 landmark

A tranquil Islamic house of worship featuring a shaded iwan and elegant arches in the style of Bukhara architecture.

Green Bazaar🎭 culture

An animated local market where fresh fruits, vegetables, and fragrant spices are offered at traditional stalls.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Magok-i-Attari?
It is one of the oldest surviving mosques in Bukhara with a unique facade.
Is it accessible as a museum?
Yes, today the building houses a museum of carpet art.
What are the opening hours?
Usually open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
Is there an entrance fee?
Yes, there is a small entrance fee for the museum.
Is the place wheelchair accessible?
Due to the historical architecture, access is partially restricted.
Magok-i-Attari: where is it located?
Magok-i-Attari is located in Uzbekistan.
Magok-i-Attari: what is there to see?
Highlights include "Ustoz Shogird" Children's Center for Applied Arts, Blacksmith workshop and museum, Bukhara Photo Gallery.
Magok-i-Attari: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Sep.
Magok-i-Attari: why is it worth visiting?
Magok-i-Attari is the oldest surviving mosque in Bukhara and a remarkable witness to the city's complex religious history.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Asia
More places in Uzbekistan →

Nearby cities

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

History & landmarks

Gijduvan — Magok-i-Attari (Uzbekistan)
Gijduvan
The center of Uzbek ceramic art, famous for its unique pottery school and the historic Ulugbek Madrasah.
Bolo Hauz Mosque — Magok-i-Attari (Uzbekistan)
Bolo Hauz Mosque
An impressive mosque opposite the Ark Citadel, known for its porch with fine carved wooden pillars.
Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa — Magok-i-Attari (Uzbekistan)
Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa
The summer palace of the last Emir of Bukhara fascinatingly combines Oriental and Russian architectural styles.

Nature

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

More places

Po-i-Kalyan — Magok-i-Attari (Uzbekistan)
Po-i-Kalyan
An architectural complex in the center of Bukhara, famous for its impressive minaret that even Genghis Khan spared.
Lyab-i-Hauz — Magok-i-Attari (Uzbekistan)
Lyab-i-Hauz
A picturesque square in Bukhara built around a historic pool (Hauz), surrounded by ancient madrasahs.
Ark of Bukhara — Magok-i-Attari (Uzbekistan)
Ark of Bukhara
This massive fortress was the residence of the Emirs of Bukhara for centuries.
Chor Minor — Magok-i-Attari (Uzbekistan)
Chor Minor
A charming and unusual gatehouse in Bukhara, known for its four distinctive blue-tiled domes.
Samanid Mausoleum — Magok-i-Attari (Uzbekistan)
Samanid Mausoleum
An architectural jewel in Bukhara, considered one of the oldest and most important buildings in Central Asian architecture.
Jeyran Ecocenter — Magok-i-Attari (Uzbekistan)
Jeyran Ecocenter
A specialized nature reserve for the breeding and conservation of rare desert animals, particularly the goitered gazelle.
Bukhara Deer Breeding Center — Magok-i-Attari (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.