Overview:

The Holy Mosque of Konye-Urgench, or Görogly Ata, is an important historical landmark located in the ancient city of Konye-Urgench in Turkmenistan. The mosque was built in the 10th century and is one of the most important surviving monuments from the region during the Islamic Golden Age. The mosque is located near the ruins of the 11th-century capital of the Khwarazm Empire, the ancient city of Urgench. It is a stunning example of early Islamic architecture, featuring intricate stucco and latticework ornamentation and elaborate tile decorations. The interior includes a grand prayer hall, where worshippers still convene to this day. Each year, the mosque is visited by thousands of pilgrims and tourists who come to marvel at its beauty and get a glimpse of the rich cultural history of the region. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Turkmenistan
Prominent Features:

is one of the largest monuments of Islamic architecture in Central Asia. The area is a sacred place where many pilgrims come to visit. The main feature of the mosque is its cylindrical-shaped minarets, which were built in the 11th century and are still standing today. They serve as a beacon for the holy mosque. Another prominent feature of the Konye-Urgench mosque is its huge central portal with its ornate decorations and inscriptions. The complex also has several small mosques as well as a prayer chamber for Muslim worshipers. This national monument of Turkmenistan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Konye-Urgench is an ancient city located in Turkmenistan, about 70km west of the current capital of Ashgabat. Its roots as a populated settlement stretch as far back as the 5th century BC, when it was known as “Gurgum” and was an important centre of the Parthian Empire. History In 1097, Konye-Urgench was sacked by the Seljuq Turks, led by Tuğrul Beg. The city continued to experience waves of attack throughout the following centuries, including Genghis Khan’s Mongol invasion in 1220 and Tamerlane’s campaigns in 1388-1389. In the 15th century the city was renamed Konye-Urgench (a Turkicised version of Gurgum), and came under the rule of the White Sheep Turkmens, and later the Khanate of Khiva. In the 19th century the city saw one of the most intense periods of destruction as the Russian Empire expanded into Central Asia. The forces of the Russian Empire demolished the city in order to control the massive trade routes in the region. The Holy Mosque of Konye-Urgench The Holy Mosque of Konye-Urgench is located in the southwestern part of the city. The mosque was built in 1221, after its predecessor was destroyed by Genghis Khan’s Mongol invasion in 1220. The mosque served as the primary religious centre of the White Sheep Turkmens and, later, of the Khanate of Khiva. The Holy Mosque features a unique blend of architectural styles, ranging from the Timurid to Seljuk and Arabic elements. The mosque is made up of a main iwan, a prayer hall, a tomb chamber, and a central circular cupola. The mosque also houses a library of Islamic manuscripts, including books, scrolls, and other documents dating back to the 14th century. The Holy Mosque of Konye-Urgench has long served as an important landmark in the region’s rich history and culture, and remains an iconic example of Islamic architecture. In 2005, the Holy Mosque of Konye-Urgench was granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Today, the city of Konye-Urgench is a popular tourist destination, where visitors can explore the city’s long and fascinating history through visits to its many historic sites, including the Holy Mosque. You must visit one of these historical places in Turkmenistan on your Turkmenistan tour

Interesting facts:

1. Konye-Urgench is a sacred site for Muslims and is the spiritual center of Turkmenistan. 2. It is said to be the burial place of four prophets: Noah, Abraham, Jacob and Job. 3. It is believed that Muhammad once prayed here during his journey to Mecca. 4. The mosque is one of the oldest in Central Asia, and was built in 711 AD. 5. The main building is made of brick with a dome made of lead. 6. Inside the mosque are scriptures from the Qur’an tracing the history of Islam. 7. The mosque was severely damaged by Genghis Khan’s armies in the 13th century and was partially restored in the 15th century by Bukhara’s ruler. 8. UNESCO declared Konye-Urgench a world heritage site in 2005. 9. The architecture is unique and is an example of Central Asian Islamic architecture. 10. Inside the mosque you can find many beautiful frescoes and other works of art from the medieval period. Visit one of the famous monuments of Turkmenistan with your friends and family.