What to see in Kokand

Dama-i Shahon Mausoleum

Another historical monument is the Dama-i Shahon Mausoleum for the khan’s family members, founded in 1825. Built during Umar Khan’s reign, it has since housed some khans in sarcophagi and tombs. The structure features a beautiful facade, walls inscribed with Quranic excerpts, and wooden carvings. The Quranic surahs are written in Arabic and supplemented with verses by the khan himself. Near the mausoleum stands the Ayvan Mosque and a cemetery.

Madar-i Khan Mausoleum

A similar structure, the Madar-i Khan Mausoleum, is equally interesting with its majestic turquoise dome, built in 1825. Unlike the mausoleum, it houses only one person—the mother of Umar Khan. The building’s front is decorated with colorful carvings, with a palette of yellow, red, white, and blue. Nearby, the khan erected a monument to his wife, Nadira, who shared his love for poetry and was executed by the Bukhara emir. Thus, he immortalized her memory.

Jami Mosque

The architectural complex of Kokand, preserved to this day, includes many mosques, reflecting the rulers’ religious devotion. One such building is the Jami Mosque on Jorsu Square. It was completely destroyed during the Tatar-Mongol yoke but rebuilt in the 19th century thanks to Umar Khan. The mosque’s columns, adorned with hand-painted decorations, and richly decorated dome are striking. The exterior walls are embellished with delicate ganch carvings. Another notable feature is the minaret, about twenty meters high, installed in the mosque’s inner courtyard. The minaret’s dome is beautifully faceted.

Madrassahs

In Kokand, you can find madrassahs built in past centuries. One is the Norbut-biy Madrassah, erected in the 18th century near the Jami Mosque. The building features a central arch, ancient towers, and a majestic main structure. Also noteworthy is the Emir Madrassah, built in the 18th century, with its own mosque, open to tourists.

To the west lies the Kamol-qazi Madrassah, distinguished by its burnt bricks, which form the main part of the walls and facade. Founded in the 19th century, the building’s facade is adorned with ornamentation.

Orthodox Church

Kokand also has Orthodox shrines. In 1908, the Church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God was built, which still stands today. The church’s domes were cast from metal taken from cannons. One of the main bells is named «General Skobelev» and weighs 300 poods. During Soviet times, the church was destroyed and rebuilt on the same site after World War II.

Hamza Hakimzade Niyazi Museum

The Hamza Hakimzade Niyazi monument, named after a local resident and famous Kokand native, is located in the poet’s house. It was opened as a museum in 1959. The national poet, who contributed to literature, drama, and music, was appreciated by Soviet authorities.

Mukimi Museum

Another renowned poet of that time is Amiqhonji Mukimi, in whose honor a museum was opened in the Mien Hazrat Madrassah building from the late 18th century. The museum houses items related to the poet’s creativity and life, allowing visitors to connect with the poetry of centuries.

Capitalist Era Buildings

In addition to religious cultural monuments, Kokand has preserved buildings from the capitalist era. Some of them still stand on Soviet Street. One such building is the «Russian-Asian Bank,» built in 1910. Nearby is the residence of one of the wealthiest men in that Turkestan, named Vadyaev. Today, this building houses the city administration. The original architecture has been preserved, and next door is the city telegraph office.

Bridges

 Another city attraction is its preserved bridges. The Yalongoch-ota Bridge over the Kokand-sai River, made of brick with beautiful arches, has an interesting history. Its name translates from the local dialect to «Naked Dervish Bridge,» stemming from a legend that it was built with a dervish’s alms. A similar legend surrounds the Charkhna-Kuprik Bridge, which was built using a spinner’s savings. The name translates to «Spinner’s Bridge.» The Stone Bridge is equally beautiful and interesting to see. It is said that Umar Khan himself had his photo taken on it, admiring its architecture.