Bibi-Khanym was begun in 1399 after Timur's campaign in India, intended to be one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world with room for around 10,000 worshippers. The scale proved too ambitious even before completion, and the inner portal collapsed after an 1897 earthquake; the heavily restored structure standing today dates mostly from Soviet-era rebuilding.
It sits right beside Siyob Bazaar, so pair the two for a single old-town stop.
Local tip: The ticket booth is small and set back toward the rear of the complex – easy to walk past without noticing.
Good to know
- Where: Bibikhonim Street, Samarkand
- City: Samarkand
Plan your visit to Samarkand