Ak Mosque
A unique 'White Mosque' in Khiva's Ichan Qala, known for its three-sided veranda and carved wooden columns.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Higher chance of being open
Ak Mosque
Best Time
Higher chance of being open
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique 'White Mosque' in Khiva's Ichan Qala, known for its three-sided veranda and carved wooden columns.
"The Ak Mosque is architecturally unique, but often closed, making exterior appreciation key."
Check Opening Hours First
Many visitors report the mosque being closed. Try to visit when tour groups are present or inquire locally. :informationdeskperson:
Admire the Woodwork
The carved wooden columns and doors are a highlight. Look for the names of the master woodworkers. :wood:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Unique Three-Sided Iwan Veranda
Main worship area
Experience a continuous veranda supported by carved wooden columns, offering a unique architectural shelter.
Intricate Carved Wooden Columns
Veranda supports
Admire the craftsmanship of the master woodworkers, Nur Muhammad and Kalandar, on the columns and doors.
Ground-Level White Facade
Exterior walls
The mosque's name, 'White Mosque,' comes from its distinctive white-painted ground-level exterior.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Ak Mosque
Understanding Ak Mosque's Unique Design
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Opening Hours First
Many visitors report the mosque being closed. Try to visit when tour groups are present or inquire locally. :informationdeskperson:
Admire the Woodwork
The carved wooden columns and doors are a highlight. Look for the names of the master woodworkers. :wood:
Unique Architectural Design
Note the three-sided iwan veranda, a departure from typical Khivan mosque architecture. :building_construction:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Opening Hours First
Many visitors report the mosque being closed. Try to visit when tour groups are present or inquire locally. :informationdeskperson:
Admire the Woodwork
The carved wooden columns and doors are a highlight. Look for the names of the master woodworkers. :wood:
Unique Architectural Design
Note the three-sided iwan veranda, a departure from typical Khivan mosque architecture. :building_construction:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Ak Mosque architecturally unique with its distinctive three-sided veranda and carved wooden columns. However, many note that the mosque is frequently closed, making interior access difficult. Despite this, its white facade and historical significance are appreciated by those who can view it.
"Those who enter the Ichan Qala via the Polvon Darvoza, after leaving the long corridor that is actually the gate, walk directly onto the small and intimate Oq Masjid. The original "White Mosque" was built in 1657 by Anush Khan in honor of his father Abu i-Ghazi. The current mosque was built between 1838 and 1842 by Allah Kuli Bahadur Khan."
Koen
"The Ak Mosque "White Mosque", or Ak-machet, is a small district mosque. Its architecture is unique, as most buildings in Khiva feature a single north-facing iwan (open-sided room), or perhaps two set side-by-side, as in the Kuhna Ark citadel. Instead, the iwans of the Ak Mosque extend around three sides of the building, forming a continuous veranda, supported by a number of carved wooden columns. The intent of this design is not clear, though from a practical standpoint it provides a much larger sheltered area for worshipers visiting the mosque. The foundations of the mosque extend four meters into the earth, indicating the great care taken in its construction.
The ground-level portion of the mosque is painted white, giving the building its name. Four small windows, inset with pandjara (gridded lattice work) provide the only source of illumination. On the carved wooden door on the north side of the building are the names Nur Muhammad and Kalandar, the master woodworkers responsible for the door and probably the columns as well.
A small, squat minaret stands at the building's northwest corner.
The mosque is the easternmost building inside the citadel along the Polvon Qori, the main east-west street spanning Khiva's historic inner city, the Ichan Kala. Directly to the east is a domed passage leading out of the city via its east gate."
Mohammed Ikram
"Small mosque which was closed when I went there."
David Smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ak Mosque is located within the Ichan Qala, Khiva's historic inner city. You can reach it by walking through the Polvon Darvoza gate and heading directly onto the small square. It's situated along the main east-west street, Polvon Qori, near the east gate.
Yes, it's one of the easternmost buildings inside the citadel, making it relatively easy to find once you're within the Ichan Qala walls.
Wander through the main streets like Polvon Qori. The mosque is a distinct structure with its unique veranda, so keep an eye out for its white facade and wooden columns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the Ichan Qala itself requires an entrance ticket, individual mosques like Ak Mosque may not have a separate admission fee. However, it's often closed, so entry isn't always guaranteed.
Unfortunately, many visitors report that the Ak Mosque is frequently closed. It's advisable to check locally or visit during times when tour groups are likely to be present.
Due to its status as a district mosque, it may not have fixed public visiting hours. Your best bet is to try during the day, especially when other attractions are busy.
While there's no guarantee, visiting during peak tourist hours in the Ichan Qala might increase your chances of finding it open, as guides may be present.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique three-sided iwan veranda with its carved wooden columns. The white facade also offers a clean aesthetic, especially during golden hour.
If you are able to enter, be respectful of any prayer times or local customs. Generally, photography of the architecture is permitted, but always be mindful.
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light that can enhance the white facade and the details of the wooden carvings.
🎫 🏛️ Architecture & History
The Ak Mosque is unique for its three-sided iwan veranda supported by numerous carved wooden columns, a departure from the typical single or double iwan design found elsewhere in Khiva.
The current mosque was constructed between 1838 and 1842 by Allah Kuli Bahadur Khan. An earlier mosque was built in 1657 by Anush Khan.
'Ak Mosque' translates to 'White Mosque,' referring to its distinctive white-painted ground-level exterior.
The names Nur Muhammad and Kalandar are inscribed on the carved wooden door, indicating they were the master woodworkers responsible for the door and likely the columns as well.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Uniqueness of Ak Mosque
The veranda is supported by a number of carved wooden columns, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of local artisans. The foundations of the mosque extend an impressive four meters into the earth, highlighting the meticulous care taken during its construction. The ground-level portion of the mosque is painted white, which gives the building its name, 'Ak Mosque' or 'White Mosque.'
Illumination inside the mosque comes from four small windows fitted with pandjara (gridded lattice work). The carved wooden door on the north side bears the names of the master woodworkers, Nur Muhammad and Kalandar, who were responsible for this beautiful detail and likely the columns as well. A small, squat minaret is situated at the building's northwest corner, completing its unique silhouette.
Visiting Ak Mosque: Practicalities and Expectations
If you do manage to enter, take a moment to appreciate the interior details, such as the pandjara lattice work in the windows. The mosque's name, 'White Mosque,' is derived from its white-painted exterior, a visual characteristic that is prominent from the outside.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit