Bibi Khanym Mosque of Samarkand

Muhammad Ali Pasha

Analyst and Expert on Central Asia, South East Asia, China, Türkiye and Middle East. Furthermore, he is a writer and poet.

Bibi Khanym Mosque in Samarkand stands as an impressive yet historically complex monument, representing the grandeur of Timurid architecture and the challenges faced by ambitious construction projects in the late 14th century.

I had visited Bibi Khanym Mosque on October 19, 2023 with Dr. Farruxbek Olim and it was a remarkable visit. It’s architecture mesmerized me, and below is the detail related to the architecture, historical perspective details told by Dr. Farruxbek Olim:

Architectural Significance:

1. Size and Scale:
   • The Bibi Khanym Mosque is highlighted for its enormous size, measuring 109 x 167 meters, making it the largest mosque in central Asia at the time.
   • Its capacity to host nearly 10,000 worshippers underscores the grand vision of Timur, the ruler responsible for its construction.
2. Design and Construction:
   • Despite its massive scale, the mosque’s design was not particularly innovative. It followed the prevalent four-iwan plan mosque design that dominated Persian lands since the 12th century.
   • Persian artisans, relocated to Samarkand after Timur’s conquest, were instrumental in the construction, contributing to the familiarity of the design.

Historical Context:

1. Purpose and Patronage:
   • Constructed from 1399 to 1405, the mosque coincided with the aftermath of Timur’s successful Delhi campaign, showcasing the spoils of war and the utilization of war elephants in construction.
   • There is uncertainty regarding the dedication of the mosque to Bibi Khanym, Timur’s chief consort, with various historical accounts providing different perspectives.
2. Post-Construction Challenges:
   • According to some historical sources, since 1405, the mosque was already displaying signs of instability, with the dome beginning to crumble. Its decay continued over the centuries, exacerbated by subsequent rulers’ inability to address the root problems. but Dr. Farruxbek Olim didn’t agreed to some historical sources.

Decline and Restoration:

1. Slow Decay and Neglect:
   • The mosque faced a slow process of decay after Timur’s death, exacerbated by inadequate repairs by subsequent rulers.
   • In the late 19th century, theft and repurposing of construction material led to the near-disappearance of the perimeter walls and galleries.
2. Earthquake Damage:
   • In 1897, an earthquake further damaged the mosque, with the inner arch collapsing and the main dome exhibiting severe cracks.
   • This period also marked the documentation of the mosque’s deteriorating state through photographs.
3. Post-Soviet Restoration:
   • Substantial restoration efforts began in the 1970s, with a more comprehensive restoration taking place in the post-Soviet era under Uzbekistan’s first President, Islam Karimov.
   • Restoration efforts aimed not only at stabilizing the structure but also at reshaping the narrative around Timur as a national hero.

Contemporary Significance:

1. Cultural and National Symbolism:
   • The mosque stands as a symbol of Uzbekistan’s historical and cultural heritage, with restoration efforts aligning with a broader narrative of national identity and pride.
   • Its restoration reflects a commitment to preserving Timurid-era monuments as part of a nation-building effort.
2. Touristic Importance:
   • The Bibi Khanym Mosque continues to attract tourists and scholars interested in Timurid architecture, providing insights into the challenges faced by monumental construction projects in the late 14th century.

In conclusion, the Bibi Khanym Mosque serves as both a proof to the ambitious vision of Timur and the challenges inherent in realizing such grand architectural projects. Its complex history, structural issues, and subsequent restoration efforts contribute to a rich narrative of cultural, historical, and architectural significance in the region.