Katta-Lyangar: The Sacred Retreat of the Ishqiya Brotherhood

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Katta-Lyangar: The Sacred Retreat of the Ishqiya Brotherhood

Langar village

Katta-Lyangar, a name that resonates with meaning, translates to “anchor” or “dock” — a fitting description for a place where a holy and righteous man found his final resting place. In Central Asia, several locations bear the name Lyangar, but one of the most revered is situated approximately 60 kilometers from the ancient city of Shakhrisabz, nestled in the picturesque Kök-su gorge within the Lyangar-say valley.

This mountain ensemble, comprising a mosque, a mausoleum, and a mountain village, is said to have emerged in this very spot in the early 16th century — a development steeped in legend. During the era of Amir Timur (Tamerlane), the Sufi order known as Ishqiya flourished in Central Asia, particularly in the 15th and 16th centuries. Among its followers was a young man named Muhammad Sadik, who, after mastering the profound secrets of the teachings, was sent by his mentor in search of a place for his spiritual abode. He discovered this sanctuary in the mountainous gorge near Shakhrisabz.

Langar village

Thus, around Muhammad Sadik, affectionately known as Lyangar-ota, a community began to form. In this tranquil setting, far removed from the chaos of the world, a settlement arose, with a mosque and the mausoleum of Lyangar-ota built on two opposing hills, seemingly gazing at one another.

The villagers lead modest lives in their timeworn homes, some of which are as old as the village itself. They sing ancient songs, nurture their children, and warmly welcome guests who come to pay homage to the sacred ziyarat — the burial sites of the Sufi brotherhood of Ishqiya and the ancient mosque established by the first Sufi of Katta-Lyangar, Muhammad Sadik.

Langar village

Mosque & Mausoleum in Katta Lyangar

It is believed that over 300 followers of Sheikh Muhammad Sadik are buried beneath intricately carved gravestones surrounding the mausoleum. Within the mausoleum rests Lyangar-ota himself, along with his father, son, and Sheikh Abu-l-Hasan-Kalan. The dome of the Lyangar-ota mausoleum, crowned with a spire featuring four spherical figures, symbolizes the highest — the fourth — level of divine knowledge. The inner surface is adorned with a delicate two-layer ornamental carving made from colored clay. The mausoleum also houses stone stelae of the sheikhs, inscribed with epitaphs.

Notably, the Lyangar community preserved a unique manuscript of the Quran attributed to Uthman and the cloak of the Prophet Muhammad. The cloak was taken during the Afghan invasion in the mid-18th century and is now housed in the mausoleum of Ahmad Shah Durrani in Kandahar. The pages of the Lyangar manuscript of the “Quran of Uthman” (7th century) were transported to the Hermitage in St. Petersburg before being transferred to Tashkent, where they are now preserved in the Hast-Imam complex.

The village also boasts a mosque dating back to the early 16th century, remarkably well-preserved with minimal restoration. The mosque’s roof rests upon columns hewn from solid juniper trunks, each over five centuries old. Pilgrimage typically begins with a prayer in this solitary mosque situated on a hill. The mosque is believed to have been constructed between 1515 and 1516, with additional rooms added in the 17th century, including a bright and spacious prayer hall.

For tourists, Katta-Lyangar offers more than just ethnographic interest; it serves as a gateway to the breathtaking Gissar Mountains, including the Zarmas Canyon, the cave of Tamerlane, and the Maidanak Observatory. Visitors can also enjoy a scenic stroll through the picturesque two-kilometer canyon, making Katta-Lyangar a destination rich in history, spirituality, and natural beauty.