The Uzgen Minaret

The Minaret stands as the principal landmark of Uzgen, an ancient Kyrgyz city along the banks of the Kara-Darya River, a contemporary of the legendary Silk Road. Built in the 11th century during the rule of the Karakhanid Dynasty, the Uzgen Minaret (Minar, Uzgend Minaret) is a part of a significant historical, cultural, and architectural complex. This ensemble also includes three mausoleums that house the remains of Karakhanid nobility.

Originally, the Minaret served to call the faithful to prayer, and its call could be heard for several kilometers around. It was also a beacon for travelers and merchants, marking the trade route that passed through the city from the Ferghana Valley to Kashgar during the 2nd–1st centuries BCE.

Historians attest to the unique preservation of the Minaret, making it a true rarity. The tower consists of 11 distinct bands, each adorned with intricate and original patterns, a testament to the craftsmanship of the era.

Today, the Mausoleum and Minaret of Uzgen are immortalized on the 50-som banknote of Kyrgyzstan.

Constructed in the 12th century, the Uzgen Tower is a powerful reminder of the might and influence of the Karakhanid Dynasty, during whose reign the city became a central hub of the state’s activities. Standing at 27.5 meters tall, the Uzgen Minaret bears a striking resemblance to the more widely known Burana Tower.

The structure is composed of three main parts: a square foundation with sides measuring 8.8 and 9 meters and a depth of 2 meters; a base in the shape of an octagon; and a cylindrical section that gradually narrows toward the top. The tower’s lower base has a diameter of 8.52 meters, while the upper part measures 6.2 meters in diameter.

From the outside, the Minaret appears stunningly beautiful, composed of 11 stone bands decorated with original designs. Burnt bricks were selected as the primary building material, and due to the varying sizes of these bricks, a unique relief pattern was achieved during construction. The surface of the Minaret features both geometric and floral motifs, bearing a resemblance to the patterns found on the Burana Tower in the Chüy Region. This similarity serves as further evidence that both structures belong to the same Karakhanid era.

The entrance to the tower is positioned about 1.5 to 2 meters above ground level, accessible via a metal staircase. The interior of the tower is also embellished with relief patterns and three-dimensional elements. A narrow spiral staircase leads to the upper tier of the Minaret, illuminated only by two small windows facing east and west. Visitors must ascend 53 steps to reach the top, where, in ancient times, muezzins would climb multiple times a day—demonstrating their exceptional physical fitness.

At the summit lies a covered observation platform with arched windows, offering breathtaking views of the city of Uzgen and its surroundings. On sunny days, one can even catch a glimpse of the snow-capped peaks of the Pamir Mountains from this vantage point.

Originally, the tower stood over 47 meters tall, but about one-third of its upper section was destroyed, most likely by an earthquake. In 1923, this missing portion was replaced with a dome-shaped lantern crafted in the Ferghana-Andijan architectural style of the 19th century, which now serves to protect the Minaret from harsh weather conditions. The last major restoration took place in 1983, ensuring the structure’s ongoing preservation.

In addition to the Minaret, visitors can explore the mausoleums: the central mausoleum, where the remains of Nasr ibn Ali, the founder of the Karakhanid Dynasty, are interred; the northern mausoleum, which holds the ashes of Hasan ibn Hussein ibn Ali; and the southern mausoleum, whose occupant’s name was lost with the original inscription. The grounds of the complex are designed with paved pathways, steps, and tiled plazas, surrounded by lawns and low trees, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

The Uzgen historical and architectural complex is a popular destination for Kyrgyz schoolchildren, and it’s not uncommon to encounter organized groups of students exploring the site during their excursions.