Hazrat Khizr Mosque in Samarkand
The Hazrat Khizr Mosque is located near many popular tourist spots in Samarkand. Travelers come here to look at the 19th century architecture and to view the memorial complex with the burial of the first president of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov.
History of the mosque
In the distant past, there was a pagan temple on the site of the Hazrat Khizr complex. In the first years of the spread of Islam, the first mosque building appeared here. The existing structure is more modern — it was built in 1854. At the beginning of the 20th century, a reconstruction was carried out here — then the mosque acquired its current appearance.
The Hazrat Khizr Mosque was named after the legendary Islamic saint. It is believed that he extinguishes fires, protects from thieves and snakebites, and patronizes merchants, travelers, as well as seafarers and those in distress on the water.
The complex consists of several structures. In the eastern part of the ensemble, there is a mausoleum with the burial of the first president of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov. This memorial complex was opened in the winter of 2018.
The Hazrat Khizr Mosque is active. You can get here for free.
From the mosque, you can walk to other interesting sights of Samarkand — the Bibi-Khanym Mosque or the Shakhi Zinda mausoleum ensemble.
