The Jami Mosque stands as a true jewel on Kokand’s Chorsu Square, an indispensable landmark that the citizens of Kokand cherish. This magnificent mosque is so ingrained in the city’s identity that it feels as though it has always been there. Historical records from the 9th to 12th centuries indeed mention a mosque in Kokand located on the same Chorsu Square. However, the original structure was destroyed during the Mongol invasions, along with much of the city.
The Jami Mosque as we know it today was reconstructed in the 19th century. In 1805, Kokand’s ruler, Olim Khan, initiated the construction of a new mosque. However, the project faced opposition when the mosque’s leader protested against using forcibly collected funds from the common people for the construction. The project was halted until 1814 when Olim Khan’s brother, the enlightened and humane Umar Khan, resumed the construction. Umar Khan enlisted a talented architect from Ura-Tube and over 200 skilled builders to complete the project. By 1816, the Jami Mosque was completed, becoming a monumental structure celebrated for its beauty far beyond the borders of Kokand.
