Hazrat-Hyzr Mosque 🇺🇿

Perched on a hill opposite the famous Shah-i-Zinda complex in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, the Hazrat Khizr Mosque offers you a deep look into the region's layered spiritual heritage. Named after the legendary Islamic prophet Khizr, this mid-19th-century historical monument stands on an ancient site dating back to an 8th-century Arab foundation built over a Sogdian Zoroastrian temple. After the original structure was destroyed during the 1220 Mongol invasion, the modern mosque was erected in 1854, with subsequent master craftsmen adding rich architectural features through the early 20th century.

When you visit, you will enter through a carved wooden door into an arched, domed portal decorated with delicate muqarnas and ribbed corner towers. To your left, you can admire a charming veranda supported by five wooden columns, showcasing intricate plaster carvings and colorful ceiling patterns. The main khanqah features a striking high dome with eight ribs, a lantern, and vibrant exterior tiles.

Additionally, on the mosque's territory, you can explore the mausoleum of Uzbekistan's First President, Islam Karimov, which was solemnly opened in 2018. Designed carefully to preserve the historical appearance of this UNESCO-protected site, the entire complex brings together carved brickwork, detailed ornamentation, and century-spanning history.

What to see at Hazrat-Hyzr Mosque

• Hilltop location situated directly opposite the Shah-i-Zinda complex
• Charming 1899 veranda with five wooden columns and colorful ceiling patterns
• Arched portal featuring muqarnas decoration, corner towers, and an eastern minaret
• High eight-ribbed khanqah dome topped with a lantern and exterior tilework
• Mausoleum of Uzbekistan's First President Islam Karimov, opened in 2018

Visiting tips

Be sure to examine the intricate artwork on the veranda, including its five wooden columns, carved ceiling, and plaster details.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Hazrat-Hyzr Mosque is easy to reach on Samarkand’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Afrasiyab. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Samarkand travel guide.