Description of the attraction
The Khoja-Zainutdin complex, built in the first half of the 16th century, is one of the most impressive monuments in Bukhara. It is located near the Ask fortress, in the center of Bukhara and is surrounded by residential buildings, which will make it a little difficult to find. The complex includes an artificial reservoir for fresh water, which is called hauz. This pool is lined with marble tiles and has a very interesting weir in the shape of a dragon's head. Near the hauz there is a building of a khanaka - a monastery for dervishes, which had not only rooms for rest and reflection, but also a mosque, which was used by adherents of Sufism.
At the wall of the khanaka, in one of the niches directly under the open sky, there is a tomb (mazar), which was formerly called Khoja Turk, and now it is called the mazar of Khoja-Zainutdin in honor of the respected sheikh, although it is not known for sure whether he is buried here. During the construction of the Khoja-Zainutdin architectural complex, the gravestones of even noble and wealthy persons looked very simple and modest. Lush mausoleums were not built under the Shaybanid khans.
The khanaka dome, tomb, mihrab (a niche in the mosque with two columns) and the western facade are decorated with interesting paintings. Darkened patterns in white, black and blue can be seen at the top of the facades. The ornate vaults of the open gallery are also worth seeing.
Several centuries ago, Khoja-Zainutdin's khanaka was visited by dervishes and Sufis. Now not believers come here, because this place has long ceased to be a sacred structure, but tourists arriving in Bukhara.
