The Magoki Attari Mosque, which adorned the beautiful face of the sorceress Bukhara in the 12th century, is shrouded in mystery. The history of this architectural monument dates back to the time of the existence in its place of a temple of Zoroastrians who worshiped the heavenly body. Then the beautiful Sogdian country blossomed on this land, whose people celebrated Navruz and worshiped ancient deities, whose wooden and clay images were acquired in this temple. It was located in the center of an oriental bazaar bursting with food and all kinds of goods.
As the residents of this ancient city say, from the mosque built later on the site of the Zoroastrian temple, the aroma of spices and medicinal herbs was heard, which traders offered to travelers. This would have continued until the end of time if the mosque, with the advent of Islam in Bukhara, had not turned into a place for righteous Muslims and Sufis to turn their prayers to the Almighty.
A true architectural masterpiece made of burnt brick, Magoki Attari, whose graceful carvings capture the wisdom of the East, has enchanted travelers from different countries centuries later as they set foot on this ancient land. As legend says, the hot sands of Bukhara helped the architectural monument not to waste its beauty over the centuries. They hid the face of the masterpiece of architecture from the eyes of Genghis Khan.
It remained hidden from the eyes and ordinary Bukharans until the 16th century, until its former charm was restored by the people. But the land of the ancient city in the sea of sand, which once saved Magoki Attari from destruction, over time again absorbed the masterpiece of architecture. It was possible to restore it, as well as to find several levels of Bukhara in the foundation, this time only in the 1930s.
Nowadays, Magoki Attari, which means “Deep Mosque,” invites travelers to forget about the vanity of vanities and, stepping on the ancient stone stairs leading down, be transported back centuries. Going down the massive steps, “breathing” the distant past, you can see cultural layers of the 12th, 10th, and 6th centuries with glazed ceramics and assuaries of the Zoroastrians. The carpet weaving museum located within the walls of the architectural monument allows guests of Magoki Attari to become immersed in the traditions and culture of the East.
Canaan Travel is ready, together with guests and residents of our sunny land, to discover the secrets of the history of Magoki Attari, one of the amazing and beautiful attractions that fill ancient Bukhara.