Kalyan Mosque of Bukhara
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Nigel Shaw
Shoot with care
About this spot
The Kalyan Mosque in Bukhara stands as a magnificent example of Islamic architecture and a testament to the city's rich cultural and religious heritage. Located adjacent to the iconic Kalyan Minaret in the heart of Bukhara's historic centre, the mosque dates back to the 16th century, although its origins can be traced even further. It has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries, resulting in a grand and sprawling complex that is revered by locals and visitors alike.
The mosque's architecture is a striking blend of Central Asian, Persian, and Arabic styles, featuring intricately decorated domes, minarets, and facades adorned with colorful tiles and calligraphic inscriptions from the Quran. Its spacious courtyard, lined with elegant arches and marble columns, provides a serene space for prayer and contemplation. Inside the mosque, visitors are greeted by a vast prayer hall adorned with exquisite muqarnas (honeycomb-like) vaulting and ornate mihrabs (prayer niches) that point in the direction of Mecca.
Today, the Kalyan Mosque remains an active place of worship and a cultural landmark of immense significance in Bukhara. It continues to attract pilgrims and tourists from around the world who come to marvel at its architectural beauty, soak in its spiritual ambiance and learn about its storied past. As one of the oldest and most revered mosques in Central Asia, the Kalyan Mosque stands as a living testament to the enduring legacy of Islam in the region and serves as a source of inspiration for all who visit.
The mosque's architecture is a striking blend of Central Asian, Persian, and Arabic styles, featuring intricately decorated domes, minarets, and facades adorned with colorful tiles and calligraphic inscriptions from the Quran. Its spacious courtyard, lined with elegant arches and marble columns, provides a serene space for prayer and contemplation. Inside the mosque, visitors are greeted by a vast prayer hall adorned with exquisite muqarnas (honeycomb-like) vaulting and ornate mihrabs (prayer niches) that point in the direction of Mecca.
Today, the Kalyan Mosque remains an active place of worship and a cultural landmark of immense significance in Bukhara. It continues to attract pilgrims and tourists from around the world who come to marvel at its architectural beauty, soak in its spiritual ambiance and learn about its storied past. As one of the oldest and most revered mosques in Central Asia, the Kalyan Mosque stands as a living testament to the enduring legacy of Islam in the region and serves as a source of inspiration for all who visit.
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