“Did you know that the Bibi Khanym Mosque was almost not finished” I ask you. The grand structure before us stands as a testament to ambition. It also stands as a testament to the flaws of ambition. The Bibi Khanym Mosque in Samarkand is one of Central Asia’s most impressive historical mosques. Built between 1399 and 1405 it was commissioned by Timur also known as Tamerlane. He built it for his wife Saray Mulk Khanym whose nickname Bibi Khanym means senior princess.
Timur’s vision for the Bibi Khanym was immense. He wanted it to be the grandest mosque in the Islamic world. He spared no expense. He employed the best master craftsmen. They came from all corners of his vast empire. Hundreds of stonemasons were at work. Elephants even helped transport the materials.
The construction was unbelievably fast. Most of the mosque was completed in just five years. A remarkable feat for such a large building. However Timur’s ambition created problems. His insistence on constant alterations during construction weakened the structure. Bricks soon began to fall from the main dome. Even before its completion the Bibi Khanym Mosque was showing signs of structural failure.
The mosque’s troubles continued long after Timur’s death. Earthquakes caused further damage. By the 19th century much of the mosque had fallen into ruin. Local inhabitants even salvaged the marble columns and intricate masonry for their own buildings.
The Soviets eventually took an interest in the ruins. They made plans to restore the three domes and the central portal. Reconstruction began in 1974. It involved extensive restoration and supplementation of the facades. Workers even revealed inscriptions from the Quran. Restoration work continues today.
Today the Bibi Khanym Mosque is a beautiful sight. Its monumental dome stands 40 meters high. Its courtyard has a large marble Quran stand. Local legend says a woman who crawls beneath it will have many children. The mosque stands as a reminder of Timur’s ambition. It stands as a reminder of the engineering challenges of his era. The Bibi Khanym Mosque is a testament to human skill and human fallibility. It is a building worthy of your admiration.