Now we are in out stride and off to the “Bolo-House Mosque” a stones throw from the Citadel or Arg (Ark another word we have heard before in a different context Noah’s Ark, Ark of the covenant)
It was built in 1712. It is known also as the Mosque of forty columns. Until 1917 Bolo-House mosque was built as the Emir’s own mosque, but later it has become common Friday Mosque. According to the legend, the mosque was built in honor of Bukhara governor Abu-Fayud Khan, the other version is that it was originally built by emir Shah-Murad as the total mosque.
It has a pond and a minaret both very usual accompaniments although the pond does look like it has passed its best.
It has a pond and a minaret both very usual accompaniments although the pond does look like it has passed its best.
It is quite spectacular with carved wooden columns and decorative painting so not really like any Mosque we have seen in fact it resembles the ornate houses we have been visiting with these tall open fronted porchs vivid colo(u)rs and ornate carvings. The inside was a lot plainer and no photographs
(and unusually it also has toilets we can use)
(and unusually it also has toilets we can use)
Across the road there is the citadel which tomorrow you get to see and it
is worth setting your alarm as it is a bit special.
is worth setting your alarm as it is a bit special.