While the name “Langar” can be found in various countries like Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Iran, a small village named Langar near Shakhrisabz in Uzbekistan is particularly noteworthy. This village is renowned for the mausoleum of Mukhammad Sodiq, a prominent Sufi figure.
The term “Langar” originates from the Farsi language, which borrowed it from the Greek word for “anchor.” The evolution of the word went from “anchor” to “angor” to “langor” and finally “langar.” Interestingly, the Turkish city of Ankara also translates to “anchor.” Historically, Langars were caravanserais on the Great Silk Road where merchants would stop, essentially dropping their anchors. As a result, settlements with this name are scattered across Central Asia.
