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Juma Mosque of Khiva

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Juma Mosque of Khiva (Uzbekistan)

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The Juma Mosque (Friday Mosque) in the heart of Khiva's Itchan Kala is a unique masterpiece of Central Asian architecture, distinguished by its archaic hypostyle design. Unlike the domed and vaulted mosques common in the region, it features a single-story rectangular hall with a flat roof supported by 213 carved wooden columns. These columns are the mosque's most famous feature, with the oldest ones dating back to the 10th century. The current structure was rebuilt in 1788 on the site of its medieval predecessor, incorporating columns from various periods and demolished buildings. Each column is unique in its height, diameter, and decorative carving, showcasing the evolution of Khorezmian woodworking styles over centuries. Small skylights in the ceiling provide the only natural illumination, casting a serene and mystical light over the vast interior space. It is a central monument within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Khiva.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-3-18152429312922134-2
Rain mm91420161041114910

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Juma Mosque of Khiva is a historic museum open to visitors. You can enter and admire the unique hall with over 200 hand-carved wooden pillars.
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Typical hours
The mosque is usually open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; it's best to check with the local tourist office. It may be closed on religious holidays.
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Photography
Photography is allowed, but without flash to protect the old wood. A tripod may require a permit - ask at the entrance.
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Time needed
Allow about 30 to 45 minutes to explore the pillared hall and admire the details. If you take time to study individual carvings, it can be longer.
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Combine with
The mosque is located within the Itchan Kala fortress of Khiva. Combine the visit with other madrasas, minarets and the Khan's palace - all within walking distance.
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Getting there
Khiva is a small town; the mosque is easily reachable on foot inside the old city walls. The main entrance to Itchan Kala is near the West Gate.
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Insider tip
Visit the mosque early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the best light for photos. Each pillar is unique - look for original column capitals.

Geography

Coordinates
41.37720, 60.35920

Facts

  • The mosque's ceiling is supported by exactly 213 carved wooden columns.
  • The oldest 25 columns in the hall date back to the 10th and 11th centuries.
  • The current structure was rebuilt between 1788 and 1789.
  • It lacks a central dome, which is highly unusual for large Silk Road mosques.
  • The prayer hall can accommodate up to 5,000 worshippers at once.
  • The attached minaret stands 42 meters tall and was also built in 1789.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Kalta MinorKalta Minor<1 km · SEExplore →
Khorezm Melon FieldsKhorezm Melon Fields31 km · NExplore →
UrgenchUrgench32 km · NExplore →
Badai-Tugai Nature ReserveBadai-Tugai Nature Reserve33 km · EExplore →
Dashoguz Cotton Spinning MillDashoguz Cotton Spinning Mill50 km · SEExplore →
Toprak KalaToprak Kala60 km · NEExplore →
GöroglyGörogly67 km · SExplore →
TurtkulTurtkul72 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

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Sights in the town Juma Mosque of Khiva (2)

Medicine Museum🏛 museum

Housed in an old madrasah, this museum traces the history of traditional Eastern medicine.

Said Ata Mosque📍 landmark

A local place of worship featuring the distinctive flat roof of regional architecture.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about the Juma Mosque?
The mosque impresses with over 200 unique, artistically carved wooden pillars.
Can you see the pillars?
Yes, the entire interior of the mosque is accessible to visitors.
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, access is usually included in the combo ticket for the old city of Khiva.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, photography is allowed and worth it because of the pillars.
How long does a visit take?
A relaxed tour takes about 30 minutes.
Juma Mosque of Khiva: where is it located?
Juma Mosque of Khiva is located in Uzbekistan.
Juma Mosque of Khiva: what is there to see?
Highlights include Medicine Museum, Said Ata Mosque.
Juma Mosque of Khiva: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Sep.
Juma Mosque of Khiva: why is it worth visiting?
The Juma Mosque (Friday Mosque) in the heart of Khiva's Itchan Kala is a unique masterpiece of Central Asian architecture, distinguished by its archaic hypostyle design.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Urgench — Juma Mosque of Khiva (Uzbekistan)
Urgench
Administrative center of the Khorezm region and starting point for trips to Khiva.
Görogly — Juma Mosque of Khiva (Uzbekistan)
Görogly
A growing agricultural town in the Daşoguz Region.
Turtkul — Juma Mosque of Khiva (Uzbekistan)
Turtkul
A former capital of Karakalpakstan, located on the banks of the Amu Darya.

History & landmarks

Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum — Juma Mosque of Khiva (Uzbekistan)
Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum
The tomb of the patron saint of Khiva is famous for its spectacular green dome and richly decorated interior.
Kalta Minor — Juma Mosque of Khiva (Uzbekistan)
Kalta Minor
An unfinished minaret in Khiva, completely covered in stunning turquoise tiles.
Islam Khoja Minaret — Juma Mosque of Khiva (Uzbekistan)
Islam Khoja Minaret
The tallest minaret in Khiva, dominating the skyline of the historic old town with its elegant, tapering form.
Tash-Khauli Palace — Juma Mosque of Khiva (Uzbekistan)
Tash-Khauli Palace
The "Stone Courtyard" palace in Khiva is known for its intricate wooden decorations and magnificent tile ornaments.

More places

Ichan Kala — Juma Mosque of Khiva (Uzbekistan)
Ichan Kala
The walled inner city of Khiva is a massive open-air museum full of old mosques and palaces.
Khorezm Melon Fields — Juma Mosque of Khiva (Uzbekistan)
Khorezm Melon Fields
Agricultural areas in the northwest of the country, famous for the sweetest and most aromatic melons in Central Asia.
🗺️
Badai-Tugai Nature Reserve
A unique forest reserve in Karakalpakstan, preserving the last remnants of the riparian forests (tugai) along the Amu Darya river.
🗺️
Dashoguz Cotton Spinning Mill
A large textile factory in the north of the country that processes locally grown cotton into high-quality yarns.
Toprak Kala — Juma Mosque of Khiva (Uzbekistan)
Toprak Kala
The ruins of the ancient capital of Khorezm, which reveal a huge palace and a complex city structure.