Bolo Hauz Mosque

Bolo Hauz Mosque is one of the most beautiful and historic mosques in Bukhara. It is located near the Ark of Bukhara and the Bukhara Tower, making it easy to visit along with other attractions. This mosque is an open-air mosque, and its architecture is truly unique, with the entire structure supported by elegant wooden pillars. However, due to lack of proper maintenance, many cracks can be seen on the pillars and walls. Nearby, you can also find the Bolo Hauz Minaret, which adds more charm to the site.

Bolo Hauz Mosque is a peaceful spot in Bukhara with tall wooden columns and a pond in front. The ceiling tops have intricate designs that are worth looking up at, full of detail and color. Outside, you'll find artists carving patterns on plates and some jewelry for sale.

Beautiful mosque constructed in 1712 and not fully restored You can see the old charm of this masterpiece Only one timber column with motifs was the original

Bolo Haouz Mosque – A Timeless Gem in Bukhara Bolo Haouz Mosque is one of the most beautiful and historically significant landmarks in Bukhara. Built in 1712, it stands as a remarkable example of Central Asian Islamic architecture. One of its most striking features is the elegant wooden columns that support the entrance iwan (porch). These intricately carved pillars, added in the early 20th century, create a stunning visual effect, especially when reflected in the adjacent pool (hauz). The mosque’s ceiling is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, with colorful floral and geometric patterns that showcase traditional Persian and Uzbek artistic influences. The atmosphere is incredibly serene, making it a perfect place for reflection and appreciation of history. Since it is still an active place of worship, visitors should dress modestly and be respectful while exploring. Located in the heart of Bukhara, near the Ark Fortress, this mosque is easily accessible and worth a visit. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply a traveler looking for authentic cultural experiences, Bolo Haouz Mosque offers a glimpse into the rich heritage of Uzbekistan. The combination of history, art, and spirituality makes this place truly unforgettable. If you're in Bukhara, don’t miss it!

Wonderful, and here are interesting facts: In 1712, the Bolo Haus Mosque rose opposite Bukhara’s Ark Fortress, embodying a slice of regal and spiritual life. With its 20 slender wooden columns, each carved with colorful stalactite capitals, the mosque’s summer prayer hall is reflected in the gleaming pond before it, doubling those pillars into a stunning “forty-column” sight. Its winter section, modest at 27 by 20 meters, contrasts the grand 42-meter-wide porch. Built by the emir’s mother, it was where the emir walked on a red carpet every Friday from the Ark to pray. The minaret, added in 1917, leaned like Pisa’s but was later straightened.

In 1712, the Janid ruler Abu al-Fayz Khan had the Bolo Hauz complex built. The complex consists, given the name of course, of a hauz (a water basin), a mosque and since 1917 a small minaret. The mosque, which was the most important Friday mosque until the Russian Revolution, has a beautifully decorated wooden iwan under which the summer mosque is located. The wooden roof is supported by pillars that are decorated on the top with colorful muqarnas. The mosque is rightly registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

It was really beautiful to just contemplate this mosque during prayer time. The uzbeks are really nice and have no problem with you staying there, even though we are not muslim. Built in 1712, the mosqur is enlisted in the UNESCO heritage list and for good reason. You have to visit it during day time but also at night!

Bolo Hauz Mosque. Bolo Hauz Complex, located in Bukhara's central Registan Square opposite the Ark Fortress, was built in the early 18th century under Emir Shahmurad. Aiming to show humility and devotion, the emir commissioned a public mosque where he could join ordinary citizens for Friday prayers. The name Bolo Hauz means "Children’s Pond." In arid Central Asia, such ponds were vital as sources of drinking water. Water carriers would distribute water in leather containers throughout the city. Though the pond eventually became a health hazard, it was a cherished part of local life until it was drained during the Soviet era. The mosque is known for its stunning iwan (entrance hall) supported by 20 intricately carved wooden pillars, which, when reflected in the pond, earned it the nickname "the Forty-Pillar Mosque." Despite its age, the mosque is still in use today. A small minaret stands beside the mosque. The minaret is not tall, yet it shows Central Asian style elegance and luxury. It once leaned, drawing comparisons to the Tower of Pisa, but was recently reinforced during restoration work. Today, the Bolo Hauz Complex remains one of Bukhara’s most iconic landmarks, admired for its graceful architecture and continued spiritual significance.