Bolo-Khaouz Mosque, Bukhara

The Bolo-Khaouz Mosque is a significant historical mosque located in Bukhara. Constructed in 1712, it holds great cultural and architectural value and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with other parts of the historic city of Bukhara. The mosque played a crucial role as a Friday mosque during the period when the emir of Bukhara was under the control of Bolshevik Russia in the 1920s.

The mosque features a rectangular shape and is characterized by its distinctive elements. In 1917, thin columns made of painted wood were added to the front part of the iwan (entrance) to provide additional support to the bulged roof of the summer prayer room. These columns are adorned with colored muqarnas, showcasing intricate geometric designs. The interior of the mosque follows the typical 18th-century Central Asian style, reflecting the artistic and architectural influences of the region.

The Bolo-Khaouz Mosque comprises two main prayer areas. During the winter season, worshippers gather in a room with four columns and several entrances. The summer prayer room, known as the iwan, stands 12 meters high and features a 20-pillared hall measuring 42 x 10 meters. This impressive space is bordered by bulged roofs sustained with twenty wooden columns, which rest on a concrete foundation. The iwan serves as a place of prayer during the summer months and is attached to three sides of the winter hall.

In front of the mosque, there is a howz, a traditional rectangular pool used for ritual ablutions before prayer. This howz enhances the spiritual ambiance of the mosque and adds to its overall architectural charm. Additionally, a small minaret, built in 1917, stands to the side of the mosque, further contributing to the visual appeal of the complex.