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Khazrat-Khizr Mosque
Best time to visit
Come at sunset to see the hourglass dome bathed in golden light and enjoy the magical view over Samarkand's rooftops.
Budget tips
The mosque visit is free and no entrance ticket is required. Combine it with a visit to Shah-i-Zinda right across the street.
Recommended for
Photographers, History enthusiasts, Sunset romantics, Budget travelers
Plan your visit
30-45 minutes
About
Quick facts: On a hill opposite Shah-i-Zinda lies this mosque, which is dedicated to the prophet Khizr, Islam's water-living mystic who is said to have drunk from the fountain of eternity. The mosque was originally built in the 8th century, but the current structure from 1854 has a unique hourglass dome that shifts color in the sunlight.
Highlights: From the mosque's terrace you have one of Samarkand's most breathtaking views: the entire Registan square and the Bibi-Khanym mosque spread out like a living painting below. Inside the prayer hall there is a 130-year-old cedar wood door with hand-carved floral patterns that the local population believes protects against the evil eye.
Insider tips
- Wear shoes that are easy to take off and put on since you need to be barefoot inside the prayer hall.
- The best photo spot is from the eastern terrace just before sunset, when the Registan is lit up in warm light.
- Avoid Fridays between 12 and 2 when local worshippers fill the mosque for prayer.
- Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, and women should also have a scarf ready to cover their hair.
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