Bibi-Khanym Mosque Samarkand
A colossal 14th-century mosque in Samarkand, famed for its ambitious scale, intricate tilework, and iconic turquoise dome.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Bibi-Khanym Mosque Samarkand
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal 14th-century mosque in Samarkand, famed for its ambitious scale, intricate tilework, and iconic turquoise dome.
"The Bibi-Khanym Mosque is a restored ruin that still impresses and overwhelms."
📸 Capture the Scale
Wide-angle lenses are your friend here! Get shots of the entire courtyard and towering structures.
💰 Entrance Fee
There's a modest entrance fee (around 75k som) for the main courtyard.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Dome
Main Mosque
A colossal turquoise dome that dominates the Samarkand skyline, a testament to Timurid architectural ambition.
Intricate Tilework
Exterior and Interior Walls
Marvel at the vibrant blue, gold, and white geometric patterns and calligraphy adorning the mosque's surfaces.
Monumental Entrance (Pishtaq)
Main Mosque Entrance
An imposing, towering archway that once served as the grand entrance to one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world.
Courtyard Grandeur
Central Courtyard
Imagine the bustling activity of this vast space, once paved with marble and surrounded by galleries.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Restoration in Progress
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Scale
Wide-angle lenses are your friend here! Get shots of the entire courtyard and towering structures.
💰 Entrance Fee
There's a modest entrance fee (around 75k som) for the main courtyard.
🚶♀️ Explore the Courtyard
Wander through the vast courtyard and imagine its former glory.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Uzbekistan can get hot, especially in summer. Carry water! :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Scale
Wide-angle lenses are your friend here! Get shots of the entire courtyard and towering structures.
💰 Entrance Fee
There's a modest entrance fee (around 75k som) for the main courtyard.
🚶♀️ Explore the Courtyard
Wander through the vast courtyard and imagine its former glory.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Uzbekistan can get hot, especially in summer. Carry water! :droplet:
📚 Learn the History
Understanding the story of Timur and his wife adds depth to your visit.
🍽️ Dine with a View
Consider Zargaron restaurant for views of the mosque. :forkandknife:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the monumental scale and intricate beauty of the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, calling it a highlight of Samarkand. While some note ongoing restoration and a modest entrance fee, the historical significance and architectural grandeur make it an unforgettable experience. The sheer size and detailed tilework are frequently praised.
"Bibi-Khanym Mosque, A Timurid Masterpiece.
The Bibi-Khanym Mosque stands as one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring architectural complexes in Samarkand. Its vast scale and opulent decoration symbolized the wealth and power of Amir Timur (Tamerlane) and his empire.
Constructed between 1399 and 1404, using the spoils of Timur’s campaign in India, it was named after Bibi-Khanym, the nickname of Saray Mulk Khanym, Timur’s senior wife.
The complex features a grand congregational mosque with a monumental entrance (iwan), towering minarets, and a massive dome. Two smaller side mosques are also part of the design.
However, Timur’s architectural vision exceeded the engineering capabilities of the time.
The structure was too ambitious, and signs of deterioration appeared even before construction was complete. Work stopped in 1405 following Timur’s sudden death. Timur’s grandson, Ulugh Beg, is known to have used a monumental marble Quran stand within the mosque, on which the famous Quran of Caliph Uthman (Osman) was displayed during Friday prayers.
The Bibi-Khanym Mosque remained in use until the 17th century, when the Tilla-Kari Mosque was built to replace it. Restoration efforts began in the 1970s as part of a broader campaign led by Uzbekistan’s first president, Islam Karimov, to revive the architectural legacy of the Timurid era."
Lefteris Stamatelatos
"In the northeast of the city center of Samarkand stands what remains of one of the most beautiful and largest mosques in the Islamic world: the Bibi Khanym Mosque. On May 11, 1399, the foundation stone was laid, and in five years a mosque was built that was indeed unparalleled in the world. During those five years, Timur was mainly on the warpath and his wife Saray Mulk Khanym (a.k.a. Bibi Khanym) oversaw the progress of the works. Timur Lenk had his architects and craftsmen explore and stretch the boundaries of what was then architecturally possible, which did not benefit the structural stability of the mosque. On his return to Samarkand in 1404, Timur, dissatisfied with certain details and the pace of construction, immediately had things changed, especially the 41-meter-high dome. As a result, the first bricks began to fall from this dome after just a few years. In the almost two centuries that followed the death of Timur Lenk, the mosque was renovated and reinforced several times until Abdullah Khan II stopped work on the mosque at the end of the 16th century. This was the beginning of a long period of decay, weathering and plundering. Fortunately, the Soviets began extensive and long-term restorations in 1974, so that visitors can now enjoy this monumental building again. After passing the 35-meter-high pishtaq of the entrance, you enter the courtyard (64x76m), which used to be completely paved with marble. The two smaller domes on the sides tower proudly above the galleries and form the prelude to the main building with an equally enormous pishtaq and the hidden behind it, a 41 meter high turquoise dome. Although the Bibi Khanym mosque is actually a restored ruin, this is a "ruin" that still impresses and overwhelms. Don't miss it!"
Koen
"The entrance was 75k. The mosque is under construction, however you can sightsee the inside square. It’s really beautiful and great to see. We enjoyed it 🥰"
Wioleta Morańska
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bibi-Khanym Mosque is centrally located in Samarkand, making it easily accessible. You can take a taxi or a local bus to reach it. Many visitors also walk from nearby attractions like the Registan.
Yes, it's quite close to other major sites. It's a great addition to a walking tour that might include the Registan and the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis.
Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive for getting between major sites. For shorter distances, walking is a pleasant option.
Yes, many local guides offer tours that can provide in-depth historical context and stories about the mosque.
Ride-sharing apps are becoming more common in Samarkand, offering a convenient way to get around. Check local availability.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically around 75,000 Uzbek Som (as of recent reports). This grants access to the main courtyard and surrounding areas.
The mosque is generally open daily from morning until early evening. It's advisable to check current hours upon arrival, as they can vary seasonally.
No, advance booking is usually not required. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance.
As it is a religious site, modest dress is recommended. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
While extensive restoration has occurred, some parts might still be under renovation. The main courtyard and key structures are generally accessible.
📸 📸 Photography
The courtyard offers fantastic perspectives of the main dome and entrance. Try different angles from the galleries and surrounding areas for unique shots.
Photography is generally allowed in the courtyard and exterior areas. Be mindful of any specific restrictions within certain restored sections.
Early morning or late afternoon provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a beautiful golden hue.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical and religious sites. It's best to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the immense scale of the mosque. A zoom lens can be useful for details.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
It was commissioned by Timur (Tamerlane) between 1399 and 1404, named after his favorite wife, Sarai Mulk Khanym. It was intended to be a grand congregational mosque for his capital.
The mosque showcases Timurid architecture, characterized by its monumental scale, intricate tilework, massive domes, and grand iwans. 
The mosque's ambitious design exceeded the engineering capabilities of its time, leading to structural issues even before completion. It suffered damage over centuries and underwent extensive restoration.
A large marble Quran stand, believed to have been used for displaying the Quran of Caliph Uthman, was a significant feature within the mosque.
One legend tells of the architect falling in love with Bibi Khanym and trying to leave his mark on the mosque, a romantic tale woven into its history.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes in the vicinity of the mosque. Zargaron restaurant offers views of the mosque.
Uzbek cuisine features hearty dishes like plov (rice pilaf), shashlik (kebabs), samsa (savory pastries), and lagman (noodle soup).
Dining with a view of the Bibi-Khanym Mosque can be a memorable experience, combining culinary enjoyment with sightseeing.
Local chaykhanas (tea houses) and smaller eateries often offer more affordable and authentic local dishes.
While meat dishes are prevalent, many restaurants can prepare vegetarian versions of plov or offer vegetable-based stews and salads.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing snacks and water, as exploring the large complex can be tiring. While the historical details might be complex, focusing on the visual aspects – the huge dome, the colorful tiles, and the towering arches – can make it engaging for younger visitors. The entrance fee is generally modest, making it an accessible family outing.
📸 Photographers' Paradise
+1Experiment with wide-angle lenses to encompass the vastness of the courtyard and the towering structures. Look for details in the tile patterns and calligraphy. While drone photography might be restricted, ground-level shots from various vantage points within and around the complex will yield impressive results.
🏛️ History Buffs
Understanding the context of its creation – as a symbol of power and conquest – adds significant depth to the visit. The ongoing restoration efforts also highlight the importance placed on preserving this significant piece of world heritage. Consider hiring a local guide to gain deeper insights into its rich past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ambitious Vision of Timur
+1However, Timur's vision outpaced the architectural and engineering capabilities of the era. The mosque's construction, overseen by his wife Sarai Mulk Khanym (nicknamed Bibi Khanym), was rushed, and structural issues began to appear even before its completion in 1404. Timur's dissatisfaction upon his return led to modifications, which may have further compromised its stability. This ambitious undertaking, while awe-inspiring, ultimately became a symbol of architectural hubris.
Despite its initial structural challenges and subsequent decay, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque has undergone significant restoration, particularly starting in the 1970s. This effort has preserved its grandeur for modern visitors, allowing us to appreciate the intricate tilework, the imposing entrance, and the sheer scale that once defined this Timurid masterpiece.
Architectural Marvels and Legends
+1Beyond its architectural splendor, the mosque is steeped in legend. One popular tale speaks of the architect falling in love with Bibi Khanym and attempting to leave his mark on the building, a romantic narrative that adds a layer of mystique to the site. This blend of historical significance and folklore contributes to the mosque's enduring appeal.
Visitors are often struck by the sheer size and the detailed ornamentation. The vast courtyard, once paved with marble, would have been a hub of religious activity. Even in its partially restored state, the mosque's grandeur is undeniable, offering a glimpse into the opulent past of the Timurid Empire.
Restoration and Preservation Efforts
Extensive restoration efforts began in the 1970s under Soviet rule, aiming to revive and preserve Uzbekistan's rich architectural heritage. These efforts have been crucial in bringing the mosque back to a state where visitors can appreciate its scale and beauty. While much has been restored, it's important to note that the site is often described as a 'restored ruin,' meaning that while impressive, it may not be in its original, pristine condition.
These ongoing preservation projects ensure that future generations can experience the magnificence of this historical landmark. Visitors can still marvel at the restored tilework, the imposing dome, and the vast courtyard, understanding the immense effort involved in bringing this architectural wonder back to life.
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