The Hazrat Hyzr Mosque, a jewel of Samarkand, is perched to the south of the historic Afrasiab fort. Covering an expanse of 30 by 16 meters, it is set upon a natural hillock, accessible by a flight of steep stairs. This mosque is a harmonious blend of an aivan—a column-supported indoor canopy—and a khanaka, which serves as a monastery for dervishes.
The aivan of Hazrat Hyzr Mosque is a visual symphony of intricate ornaments, leading into the khanaka. The khanaka itself is a square structure, centered around a mihrab—a niche indicating the direction of Mecca—flanked by two hudjras, or monks’ cells. A separate minaret rises, featuring a spiraling staircase within its shaft, culminating in a lantern topped with a ribbed dome.
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