About
The Kalyan Mosque stands in the Po-i-Kalyan complex in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, and is also known as the Po-i-Kalyan Mosque or the Friday Mosque. It is one of the largest mosques in Central Asia, built in the 16th century and able to accommodate around 12,000 worshippers.
What to see
The mosque is known for its striking blue tilework, which catches the eye from across the square. It forms part of the Po-i-Kalyan architectural ensemble, so it is best seen as one element of a larger group of buildings rather than on its own.
- The scale of the building, which gives a sense of how many people once gathered for prayer here
- The blue tile decoration, rich in colour in the Bukhara style
- The wider Po-i-Kalyan ensemble that surrounds it
Planning your visit
The mosque is an active place of worship as well as a historic monument, so visitors should dress modestly and behave respectfully, particularly during prayer times. Because it sits within a complex of older buildings, allow time to walk around the ensemble and take in the setting.
For current visiting arrangements, the site can be reached by telephone at +998 65 224 1050.
The area around it
Bukhara's old city is compact and walkable, and the Kalyan Mosque is a natural stop for anyone exploring its historic centre. It suits visitors interested in Islamic architecture, Central Asian history, and the particular blue ceramics for which the region is known.
