Bibi-Khanum mosque

Bibi-Khanum mosque was constructed according to the order of Amir Temur as a cathedral mosque of Samarkand. It was intended to outrival everything he ha ever seen in the other countries Architects, artists and craftsmen from conquered countries were involved in the construction of this grandiose complex. Elephants were used for heavy loads lifting and transporting. The mosque was being constructed during five years. When Temur retuned after his western campaign he got much disappointed by construction and ordered to reconstruct the portal which seemed not high enough.

Finally, the cathedral mosque was supplied with one of the greatest portals of that time. It arch as flanked with powerful pylons with minarets up to 50 m in height. The front entrance had bronze doors with inscription: "The sound of these huge doors, made from them alloy of seven metals, calls prayers of seven climates in the house of Islam." The gates were taken away from Samarkand by Iranian shah Nadir in 1740. Above the portal there was an inscription: "Dwelling of creatures is everything - hypocrisy, falsehood and passions. Everything is concentrated at a threshold of the World Lord's hall - and only..." Today the marble lectern for tremendous Koran made at Ulugbeg stands in the center of the courtyard.