Oh Samarkand, entwined with legends like with vines of sweet grapes! How many amazing things have happened to you in more than two thousand years! It will just suffice to mention the legend about the Khazret-Khyzr Mosque built in the 7th century, destroyed in the 8th century, and then rebuilt again in the 19th century.
When the Arab conquerors invaded Sogdiana, a part of which you, the great city, was in ancient times, they wanted to destroy the city fortress by flooding its territory. However, the sky bird with snow-white feathers prevented the implementation of their plan and saved the defensive construction. Believing that what the incident was divine providence, prominent persons of the city constructed a magnificent mosque.
The name of the attraction is connected with the revered righteous man whose true personality is lost in centuries. In Iranian culture, Khyzr was believed to be Alexander the Great, George the Victorious or one of other great persons, but a single opinion was never formed. However, the exegetes of the Quran believe that Khyzr was a mentor of Moses the Prophet who instilled many virtues in him.
In any case, Khyzr is revered as the patron saint of travelers whose blessing gave health and endurance to the caravans going along the Great Silk Rozad. They say that the holy man still gives his blessing to the faithful.
In 1220, the mosque was completely destroyed by the Mongols, and in 1854, it was restored on the same site.
The mosque is not far from the famous Shah-i-Zinda Mausoleum and equally famous Siab Bazaar. It had been reconstructed many times. Its majestic four-meter entrance leads into rooms decorated with carved ganch and colored paintings. In the mosque, there are a darvazakhana, a hall, a large dome, a khanaka, and a wooden iwan with pillars, a bright symbol of the East; in warm season, it was used as a place where believers offered their prayers.
Your beautiful views, oh great Samarkand, can be seen from the mosque. From there visitors watch your main symbol, the Registan square, and the amazingly beautiful Bibi-Khanum complex.
On the northern side of the mosque, there is the settlement of Afrasiab whose ruins are still called “the old Samarkand” because a huge number of historical events have happened on its territory.
Canaan Travel invites you to visit Uzbekistan, the country of oriental fairy tales and living history. Vacations spent on our land will bring you fascinating recreation and immersion in ancient legends and refined Asian culture.