Why did the Sufi Mavlono Poyanda-Mohammad Ahsi Faizobodi decide to build the Cathedral mosque Faizabad here? We’re standing before this impressive structure in Bukhara, a testament to a rich spiritual history. The Cathedral mosque Faizabad, originally known as Shokhi Ahsi, was built in the late 16th century. It served a dual purpose. It was a place of worship, indicated by the mihrab, a niche indicating the direction of Mecca. It was also a khanaka, a Sufi hospice and monastery, providing temporary lodging for wandering dervishes. The mosque’s design reflects 16th-century Asian architecture, with a focus on symmetry and harmony. Notice the portal with stairs, flanked by vaulted loggias. These architectural features create a sense of elegance and airiness. The height of the building increases as you approach the portal, drawing the eye upwards. The decor is predominantly white, accented with colored lines, creating intricate patterns. Inside, the main dome is adorned with stunning chaspak stucco lace against a colored background. This creates an ethereal effect, adding to the spiritual atmosphere. Although dervishes no longer reside at the Cathedral mosque Faizabad, the sense of religious fervor remains palpable. The mosque stands as a reminder of its vibrant past, a place where countless believers once gathered. It also serves as a tribute to the vision of its founder, Sufi Mavlono Poyanda-Mohammad Ahsi Faizobodi. His name, now synonymous with this sacred space, continues to echo through the halls of the Cathedral mosque Faizabad.
Poyi Ostona Mosque
“Remarkable craftsmanship” whispered a fellow traveler. We stand before the Poyi Ostona Mosque in Bukhara. Its beauty is undeniable. This