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Asia
Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Counted the largest mosque of its age: a gateway above 35 metres, turquoise domes and colossal arches built by Timur after his Indian campaign and named for his wife Bibi Khanym; restored in the 20th century after great collapse.
Story & history
Timur wanted a mosque in his capital beyond all that came before: he brought artisans from India and supervised the works himself, generous to a fault in height and breadth, setting a proverbial scale. Parts collapsed in the 1897 earthquake, and the Uzbek republic restored it in stages until the arches, main dome and mighty portal rose again.
Getting there
Pin the site on the map or head straight there with your maps app; opening hours and access vary by season.
Quick facts
- Built by Timur after returning from India
- Among the largest medieval mosque gateways
- Near the famous Chorsu bazaar
Visiting tip
Mornings for the turquoise photographs; minutes from Samarkand's old square and markets.