Malik-Azhdar Mosque in Shakhrisabz, Uzbekistan

Malik-Azhdar Mosque

Malik-Azhdar is situated among apartment houses in the northwestern part of Shahrizabz's historical center. According to a legend it arose near a tomb of Arabian commander Malik-Azhdar. As well as Khodja Mirhamid Khanaka, Malik Azhdar mosque complex served as a madrasah in the past. It is confirmed by the fact that its khudjras were built on the perimeter and covered with little doms. Malik Azhdar mosque has a classical composition of Islamic cult construction. It symbolizes basic elements of the universe: terrestrial house for pray, greens of trees, water of 'hauz', dome, going to the sky, columns of aivananda minaret.