Hazrat Khizr Mosque

The Hazrat Khizr Mosque in Samarkand is recognized as the city's oldest mosque, perched on a hill opposite the Siyob Bazaar. The original structure dates back to the 8th century, established during the first Arab conquests, but it was completely leveled by Genghis Khan's forces in the 13th century. The present building was reconstructed in the 19th century on the ancient foundations and serves as a premier example of the Samarkand school of decorative arts. It features an exquisite iwan with intricately carved wooden pillars and a ceiling adorned with animated floral and geometric paintings. The hilltop location provides a wide-open vantage point over the Bibi-Khanym Mosque and the city skyline. In 2018, the site gained further national importance with the completion of the mausoleum of Islam Karimov, Uzbekistan's first president, making it a major spiritual and political landmark.

Nearby cities

Samarkand

One of the oldest inhabited cities in Central Asia, famous for its Silk Road architecture.

Kattakurgan

One of the oldest centers of the Samarkand region with a large water reservoir.

Sentyab

A picturesque mountain village in the Nuratau Range, known for ecotourism, traditional stone houses, and ancient petroglyphs.

History & landmarks

Afrosiyob Museum

The museum displays artifacts from the ancient city of Marakanda, including fascinating frescoes from the Sogdian palace.

Nature

Zarafshan River

An important river that flows through Samarkand and Bukhara, acting as the lifeblood of these historic oasis cities.

More places

Siyob Bazaar

The largest and oldest market in Samarkand, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into life on the Silk Road.

Bibi-Khanym Mosque

This mosque was built in the 15th century as one of the largest in the Islamic world, named after Timur's favorite wife.

Shah-i-Zinda

This necropolis in Samarkand consists of fascinating blue mausoleums built over centuries.

Registan

The Registan was the heart of the ancient city of Samarkand, surrounded by three magnificent madrasahs.

Mausoleum of Prophet Daniel

A significant pilgrimage site in Samarkand, revered equally by Muslims, Christians, and Jews.

Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum

The mausoleum of Timur is an architectural masterpiece and a model for the Taj Mahal.

Samarkand Mulberry Plantations

Extensive plantations growing mulberry trees, whose leaves form the foundation for the region's famous silk production.

Ulugh Beg Observatory

A masterpiece of medieval astronomy, where the most accurate star catalog of its time was created in the 15th century.