"Chor Bakr" complex

The Chor-Bakr Architectural Complex is an important architectural monument dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries, located in the Sumitan area near Bukhara. The complex is associated with four renowned sheikhs, from whom it derives its name, “Chor-Bakr” (“Four Bakrs”). It is included in the National Register of Immovable Cultural Heritage Sites of Uzbekistan.

History

In 1559, Abdullah Khan II of the Shaybanid dynasty commissioned the construction of a large architectural ensemble near the mausoleum of Khoja Abu Bakr Saad in the village of Sumitan. The complex originally consisted of a khanaqah, a mosque, a madrasa, and an extensive garden. Additional buildings were added in subsequent centuries, while the surrounding area was transformed into landscaped gardens.

Abdullah Khan II reportedly spent about 70,000 gold coins on the construction of the complex. The khanaqah has three entrances and consists of a domed hall and a monumental portal flanked by cells. A mihrab is located on the qibla side. The dome was built in the traditional Arki Duzi style. Verses 61–62 of Surah Al-Baqarah are inscribed on the portal. The portal rises to approximately 20 meters, while its foundation reaches 12 meters.

The madrasa was considered one of the most prestigious educational institutions of its time. Restoration work was carried out in 1950, 1971, and 1999.

The mosque of the complex is distinguished by its grand architecture. Its portal includes residential cells, and verses from Surah Al-Isra are inscribed on its façade. The mosque doors were crafted from elm wood native to Bukhara.

The minaret was rebuilt in 1890 by Mirzo Hoji Juybori on the foundation of an earlier minaret. The entire memorial complex covers approximately 40 hectares, including a cemetery occupying around 12 hectares.

The complex contains numerous khaziras (family burial enclosures and mausoleums), including those of Sa’dulla Khoja, Akobir Khoja, Nasriddin Khoja, Abduaziz Khoja, Ataullo Khoja, Zaynab Sultan Khanim, Obid Khoja, Poshshooyim, and others.

Architecture

The khanaqah consists of a domed chamber and a monumental portal. The portal is decorated with glazed tilework, ornamental patterns, and large Kufic inscriptions. The interior features fine examples of carved ganch plasterwork and decorative stucco.

The madrasa portal is broader in composition, with an entrance divided into three arched openings. Its inscriptions are written in Arabic script. The main classroom has a square layout topped by a dome, with cells connected at the corners and façades decorated with two-tiered arcades.

The summer mosque is located between the madrasa and the khanaqah at the far end of the courtyard. Its portal is flanked by two-story cells. The platform in front of the portal served as an open-air prayer area. A small minaret stands at the center of the architectural ensemble.