Namazgoh

Namazgoh is a synonym for a mosque, a place where namaz can be performed and accepted in the same way as in a consecrated mosque. Namazgoh can be a country square, a prayer room or even a prayer mat. 

Bukhara, the center of the Islamic religion of the Middle Ages, has its own prayer square Namazgoh, for festive namaz, which is held on the days of religious holidays – Ramadan Bayram and Kurban Bayram. 

The history of the Namazgoh mosque dates back to the IX century, during the reign of the Samanids. The Samanid dynasty is known for the fact that they strengthened Islam on the territory of their state. 

During the reign of the Samanids, the first Friday cathedral mosque, khanaka (Sufi monastery) and Namazgoh mosque were built. Under the Samanids, Bukhara became the center of the Muslim religion. 

At the beginning of their reign, namaz was held on Registan Square, however, it turned out to be small for a large number of believers who gathered for worship, so it was decided to build a suburban Namazgoh mosque, which was located 3 km from the city center. Namazgoh stood there until the XII century.

With the coming to power of Arslan Khan from the Karakhanid dynasty, the Namazgoh mosque was moved to the center of the city, since the ruler believed that a large number of people heading outside the city for prayer reduces the city's defense capability. 

Shamsabad Garden was chosen for the construction of the new mosque, where in 1119-1120 a mosque was built in the form of a burnt brick wall, 38m high. The mosque consisted of two deaf arches, between which there was a prayer niche – the mihrab (the side pointing to the Kaaba, where believers turn when they pray).

The mosque was repeatedly reconstructed in the XIII and XV centuries.

In the XVII century, after a large-scale reconstruction, the mosque acquired aivans on three sides of the main arch, a gallery, and a portal-domed arch in the center. The remains of the mihrab niche of the original mosque were built into the wall of the mihrab. The wooden minbar (the pulpit from which the imam addresses to the faithfuls) was replaced with a brick one. 

The arch of the mosque and its dome are decorated with terracotta, carved alabaster, mosaic in the form of a geometric pattern and inscriptions made in Arabic script. 

Today, the mosque has lost its original meaning of the Namazgoh suburban mosque, since it is located within the city limits. The function of the suburban namazgoh is performed by the ritual ensembles of Bahauddin Nakshbandi and the mausoleum of Kasim Sheikh.

Namazgoh Mosque is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.