Juma mosque, Turkestan

The underground cell of Yasawi, located within the Hilvet mosque, was built in the old city of Yasi not by chance, but beside the main Friday mosque, known as the Juma Mosque. Legend has it that Yasawi’s home once stood by this mosque. Today, the mosque has been carefully restored; its interior is modest yet striking, with a light green mihrab and photographs of old Turkestan lining the walls. Admission to the mosque is free, though photography is prohibited. Scattered nearby are ancient columns and millstones, and beyond the mosque sits an unopened archaeological museum.

The mosque is part of the Azret Sultan reserve-museum complex. It was constructed in the 18th or 19th century, though historians disagree on the exact date. During that era, mosque construction was prioritized, resulting in the establishment of over 50 mosques throughout the Turkestan region.

In 1980, the Juma Mosque building was restored. The structure is made of brick, with plastered walls and facades and a gently sloping roof. The interior features a decorative beam extending from the walls and supported by an octagonal pillar in the center, which rests on a recessed foundation. With ceilings around four meters high and wooden flooring, the mosque’s design is a testament to both the craftsmanship and architectural traditions of the time.