Timur's giant 15th-century mosque, partially restored, with a 35-metre portal and a marble Quran stand.
The Bibi-Khanym Mosque in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, was commissioned by Timur after his Indian campaign and built between 1398 and 1404, intended as the grandest mosque in the Islamic world. Its entrance portal rises about 35 metres, and the main dome once dominated the skyline. Rapid construction and earthquakes left the building in ruin for centuries; major restoration took place in the Soviet era and again after independence, and the work continues. The courtyard is a huge open quadrangle with a large marble Quran stand (rahle) in the middle, and the ruined and rebuilt domes can be photographed from the arched gallery. The name comes from Timur's wife Saray Mulk Khanum. The mosque is across the road from the lively Siab Bazaar, and a visit usually takes 30-40 minutes. Visitors may enter the courtyard and the restored prayer halls; some interiors are closed for repairs. Dress modestly. Late afternoon light gives the best colours on the domes and tile mosaic.
| Admission | About 40,000-75,000 UZS (~$3.30-6.25) for foreign visitors |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily, about 08:00-19:00 |
| Typical visit | 30-40 minutes |
| Best time | Late afternoon |
| Getting there | Taxi about 8,000-12,000 UZS (~$0.65-1) from the Registan; 15-minute walk along Tashkent Street |
| Address | Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Tashkent Street, Samarkand, Uzbekistan |
Location
Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Tashkent Street, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
39.6607, 66.9801 View on map
Highlights
- Portal about 35 metres high and ruined domes under restoration
- Giant marble Quran stand in the courtyard
- Built 1398-1404 by Timur
- Directly opposite Siab Bazaar
Tips for visiting
- Visit with Siab Bazaar in one stop, about 1.5-2 hours together.
- Allow 30-40 minutes inside the mosque.
- Late afternoon gives warm light on the domes.
- Cover shoulders and knees.
- Some interiors may be closed for repairs; check at the ticket counter.
When to visit
Late afternoon for tile colours; weekdays are quieter.
Accessibility
The courtyard is flat and open and suitable for wheelchairs, but ramps are limited and some sections have uneven stone paving and restoration works.
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Frequently asked questions
Who built Bibi-Khanym?
Timur commissioned it, and it was completed in 1404; it is named for his wife Saray Mulk Khanum.
How much is entry?
Typically about 40,000-75,000 UZS (~$3.30-6.25) for foreign visitors.
Is it still a working mosque?
It is mainly a monument; restored sections can be entered as a heritage site.
How long is a visit?
30 to 40 minutes.