Bolo Hauz Mosque Bukhara
A historic 1712 mosque in Bukhara, famed for its 40 reflected wooden pillars and vibrant, colorful ceiling artistry.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Bolo Hauz Mosque Bukhara
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 1712 mosque in Bukhara, famed for its 40 reflected wooden pillars and vibrant, colorful ceiling artistry.
"This mosque is one of the most peaceful sites in Bukhara, with a calming pond and elegant pillared facade."
🎯 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders & knees to be respectful. Essential for active mosques.
📸 Capture the Reflection
The pond perfectly mirrors the pillars – a photographer's dream!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 40-Pillar Iwan
Entrance porch
Intricately carved wooden columns supporting the porch, creating a stunning reflection in the pond.
Reflecting Pond (Hauz)
In front of the mosque
An octagonal pool that mirrors the mosque's elegant facade, doubling the visual impact of the pillars.
Colorful Ceiling Vaulting
Interior
Vibrant floral and geometric patterns adorn the ceilings, showcasing traditional artistic influences.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Bolo Hauz Mosque
Respectful Exploration
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders & knees to be respectful. Essential for active mosques.
📸 Capture the Reflection
The pond perfectly mirrors the pillars – a photographer's dream!
🕰️ Visit Outside Prayer Times
Avoid disruption and enjoy a quieter experience. Check local prayer schedules.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby
It's close to Ark Fortress & Bolo Hauz Minaret. Combine your visit!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders & knees to be respectful. Essential for active mosques.
📸 Capture the Reflection
The pond perfectly mirrors the pillars – a photographer's dream!
🕰️ Visit Outside Prayer Times
Avoid disruption and enjoy a quieter experience. Check local prayer schedules.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby
It's close to Ark Fortress & Bolo Hauz Minaret. Combine your visit!
⬆️ Look Up!
Don't miss the intricate, colorful designs on the ceiling vaults.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bolo Hauz Mosque is celebrated for its unique architectural beauty, particularly its elegant wooden pillars and vibrant ceiling designs, offering a serene and historically rich experience. Visitors appreciate its peaceful atmosphere and its reflection in the adjacent pond. Some note that the mosque could benefit from further restoration, but its authentic charm remains a significant draw.
"Bolo Hauz Mosque is one of the most beautiful and historic mosques in Bukhara. It is located near the Ark of Bukhara and the Bukhara Tower, making it easy to visit along with other attractions. This mosque is an open-air mosque, and its architecture is truly unique, with the entire structure supported by elegant wooden pillars. However, due to lack of proper maintenance, many cracks can be seen on the pillars and walls. Nearby, you can also find the Bolo Hauz Minaret, which adds more charm to the site."
Kaif Kamran
"Bolo Hauz Mosque is a peaceful spot in Bukhara with tall wooden columns and a pond in front. The ceiling tops have intricate designs that are worth looking up at, full of detail and color. Outside, you'll find artists carving patterns on plates and some jewelry for sale."
Ced Aquino
"Beautiful mosque constructed in 1712 and not fully restored You can see the old charm of this masterpiece Only one timber column with motifs was the original"
Jason L
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bolo Hauz Mosque is centrally located in Bukhara, often visited in conjunction with the Ark of Bukhara. It's easily accessible by walking from most central accommodations or by a short taxi ride. Many visitors find it convenient to explore on foot as part of a larger walking tour of Bukhara's historic center.
While not a complex in itself, Bolo Hauz Mosque is situated directly opposite the Ark of Bukhara, with a plaza (formerly the Registan) between them. This strategic location makes it a natural stop when visiting the Ark and other nearby historical sites.
Many travelers recommend exploring Bukhara's historic center on foot to fully appreciate the architecture and atmosphere. Bolo Hauz Mosque, along with the Ark, Lyabi Hauz Plaza, and Chor Minor, are often included in self-guided walking tours or guided excursions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Bolo Hauz Mosque is an active place of worship, and entry is generally free. However, visitors are expected to dress modestly and behave respectfully. Donations are sometimes accepted to help with upkeep.
As an active mosque, there are no strict opening hours in the traditional sense. It is accessible outside of prayer times. It's best to visit during daylight hours and avoid prayer times to ensure a peaceful experience.
Typically, there is no entrance fee to visit Bolo Hauz Mosque. It's a functioning place of worship, and visitors are welcomed respectfully.
Yes, you can visit on Fridays, but be aware that it will be busier due to Jumu'ah (Friday prayers). It's a unique opportunity to witness local religious practices, but you'll need to be extra mindful of worshippers.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside Bolo Hauz Mosque, especially of the exterior and the pillared hall. However, always be respectful of worshippers and avoid taking photos during prayer times or of individuals without their consent.
The most iconic photo opportunities are the reflection of the 40 wooden pillars in the pond (hauz) and the intricately decorated ceiling vaults. The exterior facade with the pond in the foreground is also a popular shot.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, offers beautiful lighting that enhances the colors of the mosque and creates a warm glow. Early mornings can also provide soft light and fewer crowds.
Information on drone usage can vary. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone, as many historical and religious sites have restrictions.
🎫 🕌 Onsite Experience
Bolo Hauz Mosque is renowned for its striking wooden pillars supporting the iwan (porch), often referred to as the '40-pillar mosque' due to their reflection in the pond. The colorful, detailed ceiling vaulting is also a significant architectural feature. +1
The hauz, or artificial pond, in front of the mosque is integral to its aesthetic. It provides a beautiful reflection of the mosque's pillared facade, creating the '40-pillar' illusion and adding to the serene atmosphere.
Yes, Bolo Hauz Mosque remains an active place of worship, particularly serving as a Friday mosque. Visitors should be mindful of this and maintain respectful behavior.
Outside the mosque, you might find local artists selling handcrafted plates with carved patterns and jewelry. The area around the mosque is part of Bukhara's historic center, offering a glimpse into local life.
Built in 1712, Bolo Hauz Mosque is one of the last structures built before the modern era. It was historically the emir's Friday mosque, where he would walk on a red carpet from the Ark to pray. The minaret was added in 1917.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Nearby attractions like the Ark of Bukhara, with its vast courtyards, can also be more engaging for younger visitors. Consider a short visit to Bolo Hauz to appreciate its unique features, then move on to other sites that might hold their attention longer. The artists selling crafts outside might also be of interest.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2Experiment with different angles to capture the scale of the pillars and the serene atmosphere. The mosque's proximity to the Ark of Bukhara also provides opportunities for contrasting shots of ancient fortress architecture with the mosque's delicate beauty. Be mindful of light conditions and try to visit when the sun is at an angle that highlights the textures and colors.
🕌 Religious & Cultural Explorers
The mosque's history as the emir's place of worship adds a layer of historical reverence. Take time to appreciate the traditional craftsmanship in the architecture and the peaceful ambiance. Remember to dress modestly and observe local customs to show respect for this important religious site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvels of Bolo Hauz Mosque
+1The ceiling vaulting inside the mosque is another highlight, adorned with vibrant floral and geometric patterns that showcase traditional Persian and Uzbek artistic influences. These detailed designs are a feast for the eyes and invite visitors to look up and appreciate the craftsmanship. Unlike many grand mosques, Bolo Hauz retains a sense of intimacy, partly due to its historical function as a Friday mosque for the emir and its relatively modest winter prayer hall.
While the mosque retains its historical charm, some reviews mention that it could benefit from more extensive restoration, with visible cracks on some pillars and walls. However, this lack of modern over-restoration also contributes to its authentic, timeworn appeal, offering a genuine glimpse into the past.
Bolo Hauz Mosque: A Living Piece of History
The mosque's location opposite the Ark of Bukhara, a massive ancient fortress, places it at the heart of the city's historical narrative. The plaza between them, once the Registan, served as a public space where life unfolded. Today, visitors can still feel the echoes of this past while observing the mosque's enduring presence. The addition of its minaret in 1917, which famously leaned like the Tower of Pisa before being straightened, adds another layer to its storied past.
For travelers interested in Uzbekistan's rich Islamic heritage, Bolo Hauz Mosque offers an authentic experience. It's a place where history, art, and spirituality converge, providing a serene environment for reflection and appreciation. As an active place of worship, it offers a unique opportunity to witness local traditions and the continuity of faith in a historically significant setting.
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