Mirhamid Khanaka in Shakhrisabz, Uzbekistan

Mirhamid Khanaka Mirhamid Khanaka

Architecture of Shahrisabz mosques has a common tradition. The basis of a mosque building is formed by'khanaka' - winter square premise with a prayer niche (mihrab) inside. On several sides 'khanaka' is surrounded by open verandahs - 'aivans' with wooden columns and colourful painted ceiling. For example, Khanaka Khodja Mirhamid city mosque located in the center near bathhouse of the 15th century and Koba madrasah. In the Soviet period the mosque was closed and a chaykhona (cafe) was opened. In the past there stood Abdushukur Ogalyk madrasah, one-storeyed khudjras of which are still safe.