More than 400 years ago, two amazing building had been created — two mosques, Baland and Khoja Zainuddin, which are typical representatives of innovative ideas in architecture of Uzbekistan in the times of Alisher Navoi and of the early stage of the formation of the Uzbek Khanate. At that time, during the period of rapid development of the Sufi religious trend, dervishes wandering through the eastern lands could find shelter within those walls. Religious events and collective prayers were also held there.
The name of the Baland Mosque means “the height”. It is connected with the idea of the building of the mosque: it is rather large and high. The main structure is based on a cube with the wide suspended ceiling and a weather shelter in the form of an iwan supported by carved wooden pillars.
The interior decoration of the mosque and its design evoke great admiration. Here the architectures used traditional eastern solutions. Various panels alternate each other on the wall followed by a frieze.
The main panel of the Baland Mosque is made of a large number of rectangular frames decorated with elegant alternating mosaics. For example, an ogival panel is filled with painted flowers and inscriptions placed above the frame.
The ornament clearly shows a repeating pattern rhythmically dividing the panel, which is a tradition for the East. The mosque has a wooden ceiling with a star-shaped figure in the centre. Due to its elegance and combination of colors in the design, the mosque gained fame among oriental architects, who later made numerous attempts trying to repeat it in their creations throughout Central Asia.
The Khoja Zainuddin Mosque was finished in the first half of the 16th century. The man after whom the mosque is named was a highly respected religious figure. He found his final resting place in a grave located within the walls of the mosque.
The mosque was the first construction built in an urban monumental style just at the time when construction became more laconic and involved the planning of streets, roads and intersections. The mosque harmoniously blends with the residential zone. An iwan is located in the shaded area.
Nearby there is a haouz, a reservoir with water traditional for such places, which also serves to create a special microclimate during the hot season because it humidifies the air. Once inside the mosque, its visitors could immerse themselves into wealth and luxury. The building itself is decorated with beautiful ornaments.
An interesting solution was used for the structure of the interior: there is a smooth transition from an even square through archways located in the corners to the dome. It resembles a bowl hovering over the heads of worshippers.
Blue-green tones of the coating make the place look magical. Here you can also see the features of architecture of the feudal era; it includes iwans adjacent to the main domed room of the mosque. Even today, the bright color palette of the interior of the Khoja Zainuddin Mosque leaves a deep impression.
The Canaan Travel team invites all travelers to visit sunny Uzbekistan, where everyone can find rest for their body in comfortable hotels and look at the attractions and old historical streets of Peri Bukhara.