The penultimate landmark I visited during my trip to Samarkand last year was the complex of the Hazrat Khizr Mosque. In modern times, the ensemble is known as the burial place of the former President of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov.
How to Get There
The mosque building is visible from afar, situated on a hill overlooking the city. I approached it from the Registan Square, and the walk took about 15 minutes. Along the way, tourists can catch a glimpse of the monumental complex of the Bibi-Khanym Cathedral Mosque.
The address of the Hazrat Khizr complex is Islam Karimov Street, 7. During my visit, there was a religious service inside the mosque, so I limited myself to a stroll around the territory.
The mosque is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. Admission to the territory is free.
A Bit of History
The construction of the mosque with a minaret and aivan began in 1854. The work spanned several decades and was completed only by the first half of the 20th century. In the past, a pagan temple stood on this site, later rebuilt into a mosque, on the foundations of which Hazrat Khizr stands today.
The name of the complex refers to the Prophet Khidr, considered the patron saint of travelers and merchants. I found several legends associated with this figure. One of them states that wherever he sat, even in the desert, green grass would grow around him. Another tells of the immortality he acquired by discovering the source of living water.
In 2018, a mausoleum for the first President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov, was opened on the territory of the century-old complex. The ruler passed away two years before this event. The tomb is a small, richly decorated room. Visitors to the complex can peek inside through the open doors.
The Hazrat Khizr Mosque can be recommended to travelers as an observation deck, offering a good view of the northern part of Samarkand.
My next article will be the final piece about the trip to the amazing Samarkand, where I will tell you about the ensemble of Shah-i-Zinda mausoleums, one of the most interesting places in the ancient city.
Have a nice trip!
