Djuma Mosque

The Djuma Mosque, situated at the heart of Ichan-kala in Khiva, stands as a testament to architectural ingenuity and cultural significance. Originally constructed at the end of the 18th century atop the remnants of earlier structures, this mosque is distinctively unique in its design, lacking portals, cupolas, galleries, or yards. Spanning an impressive area of 55 by 46 meters, the mosque allows entry from all four cardinal directions, prominently facing a towering 52-meter-high minaret on its northern facade, visible from one of the city’s main streets.

Enclosed within sturdy brick walls, the interior of Djuma Mosque is a vast single hall, its flat ceiling supported by an astonishing array of 215 wooden pillars. This architectural style, seen globally throughout history, showcases a magnificent use of space and design, reminiscent of mosques in Afrasiab (10th century), Iran’s Plain (10th century), and Morocco’s Khas-an Mosque in Rabat (12th century). However, Djuma Mosque’s construction and decorative elements exude a distinct local flavor.