“Quick fulfillment of desires,” they say about some mosques around here but let’s focus on the Kattatayloq jom’e masjid right in front of us. The Kattatayloq jom’e masjid is not just a place of worship. It is a vibrant hub for the local community here in Samarkand.
Now I will tell you a story about the Kattatayloq jom’e masjid.
Samarkand has many interesting places scattered throughout the city. Among them is the Kattatayloq jom’e masjid. It is a place where faith and history intertwine.
Not far from the famous Registan Square, you’ll find smaller streets and national mahallas. Here lies the Kattatayloq jom’e masjid.
Near the Kattatayloq jom’e masjid, Koshkhovuz street runs from Registan to the north. It got its name from the mosque standing there.
Let’s talk about other mosques in Samarkand too. The Mosque of Kosh-Khovuz was built in 1901. It actually has two ponds. In 2002-2003, cells for the second pond were added. It has a fairly large yard and a ladder of buildings.
Nearby is the Mosque of Khoja-Ziemurod. Its name means the Mosque of Quick Fulfillment of Desires. This mosque was built in the late 19th century. It stands on a pre-Mongolian foundation. Archaeologists found bricks with stamps from the Great Seljuk Empire. In the 11th and 12th centuries, Samarkand was a provincial city. Khorezm became the center when the Seljuk Empire collapsed.
Legend says Tamerlane brought relics to Samarkand. These relics included those of the Prophet Daniel and St. George the Victorious. The mausoleum of St. George was allegedly destroyed by the Bolsheviks. It is based in the Israeli city of Lod. People believe prayers in this mosque lead to quick wish fulfillment. This suggests it was built on a pre-Islamic shrine.
You can see paintings of the aivan at the Mosque of Khoja-Ziemurod. There is also a hall with a painted fan. This couple of mosques can be explored on foot. They are located around the Siab Bazaar.
Other sights like Ishratkhana and Abdi-Darun require a taxi. They are a few kilometers southeast of Registan. Ishratkhana, or “A House of Joy,” was a mausoleum for Timurid women and children. It was destroyed in the earthquake of 1903. Some art critics consider Ishratkhana the only worthy building in Samarkand.
Across from Ishratkhana is Abdi-Darun. Abdal Mazeddin, founder of the Abdi dynasty, is buried here. The oldest building in Samarkand is at its base. Ahmad Sanjar ordered its construction. Ulugbek later made changes in the 15th century.
The remaining buildings of Abdi-Darun are modern. The mosque dates to 1909. Abdi-Birun, or Abdi External, is farther from the center. It was built in the 17th century by Nadir Diwanbegi.
Khodja-Ahrar is the largest ancient ensemble in the Samarkand suburbs. It is about five kilometers from Registan. Its gates resemble the Sherdor Madrasa. Khoja-Ahrar was a Sufi mystic. He became the de facto ruler of Maveranakhr. He rejected asceticism and used his wealth for good.
An earthquake destroyed Khoja-Ahrar in 1907. Restoration has been ongoing since 1979. After the earthquake, a mosque with aivans was built. There is also a micro-minaret.
Around the house are old plane trees. There are many revered graves before the common cemetery. Khoja-Ahrar’s tombstone dates to 1489. It features fine calligraphic carvings.
These sites tell the rich history of Samarkand. Each place has its own story. They reflect the city’s cultural and religious heritage. Take your time to explore these hidden gems. They offer a deeper understanding of Samarkand’s past.