Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Coordinates: 39.663562, 66.983208
Some muslims believe that it contains the tomb of Hz. Khizr عليه اسلام (highly speculative), who is the Patron Saint of travelers. Locals believe that the tomb grows every year, similar to the nearby Hz. Daniyal’s عليه اسلام tomb.
It is considered the oldest mosque in Samarkand built by Quteyba ibn Muslim, the muslim commander, in 712.
The mosque was built in the 8th century and was on the hill at the entrance to the city, close to the band appeared much later Shahi Zinda mausoleums and Siab market.
The mosque was destroyed in the 13th by horde of Genghis Khan. It was later restored and rebuilt several times, and its today’s appearance in the 19th century.
The great poet Hz. Jalal ad-Din Rumi رحمة الله عليه wrote: “When will choose his master, observe obedience – follow him, like Moses, who led the Khizr.”
The mosque and the cemetery adjacent to it, are now a monument protected by UNESCO.
Islam Karimov (former leader of Uzbekistan) is also buried here.
Graves of Prophets
Around the mosque later emerged cemetery. According to some legend there are seven levels of graves and bodies at each level of the saints or prophets in this mosque.
Despite it’s not actually part of the Sha-i-Zinda complex, you should take a little time to walk across the modern graveyard along it to this Mosque, that was named in honour of a mythical saint and that from its position atop of Afrosiab Hill gives you a superb view across the city.
Know This
The Hz. Khizr Mosque is located at the intersection of Shah-i-Zinda Street and Tashkent Road.
There are signs banning photography, but some people take pictures and the police don’t seem to mind.
