In 12th and 13th century Tashkent there lived a well respected Sufi mystic, Sheikh Ay-hoja Zangi-Ata, literally "Dark Father" owing to his dark complexion, who was revered by the local people, and subsequently by 14th century Uzbek national hero, Amir Timur. Having hailed from abroad, likely from a noble family in Saudi Arabia, Zangiata spent … Continue reading Day 9: Zangiata Complex
Tag: minaret
Day 17: Jarkurgan Minaret
Jarkurgan is a small dusty town about 60km north of Termez, the last place you'd expect to find a standalone medieval minaret, but in the early 12th century, this place was a bustling stop along the ancient silk road, and the minaret served as a beacon to travelers guiding them to the safety of the … Continue reading Day 17: Jarkurgan Minaret
Day 36: Islam Khoja Complex
Additional proof that monuments don't need to be ancient in order to preserve historic ambiance, the Islam Khoja complex is just 100 years old, founded in 1908 by Asfandiyar Khan's enlightened Vizier, none other than Islam Khoja. Timing was bad for everyone unlucky enough to be in a position of power during this period of … Continue reading Day 36: Islam Khoja Complex
Day 51: Kalon Minaret
Landmarks are by their very definition supposed to leave you with the impression of greatness, but the Kalon Minaret is a special case. Not only was it built with that purpose in mind from the very beginning, but it was supposedly spared destruction by Genghis Khan because he was so impressed by how great it … Continue reading Day 51: Kalon Minaret
Day 80: Kalta Minor Minaret
Located within the central citadel of the Ichan-Kala in Khiva, the Kalta Minor Minaret is most famous probably because it was never finished. This colorful stump of a minaret was intended to be the most spectacular in the world, but instead the unfinished structure serves as a symbolic reminder not to start something you can't … Continue reading Day 80: Kalta Minor Minaret
Day 98: Juma Mosque
One of the most special places in all of Uzbekistan has to be the 18th century Juma Mosque, located within the ancient Ichan Kala, the walled inner old-town of the city of Khiva. Inside this amazing architectural wonder you will find 212 hand-carved wooden columns supporting the mosque's roof, some dating from the original 10th century … Continue reading Day 98: Juma Mosque
