Madrasah Chor Minor (Khalifa Niyozkul)

Madrasah Chor Minor (Khalifa Niyozkul).

Khalifa Niyazkul Madrasah also known as Chor-Minor (from the Four Minarets) – a madrasah built in Bukhara with the money of a wealthy Turkmen merchant (savdogar) Khalif Niyazkul. Dating the construction of the madrasah related to 1807.

The main building with towers is a mosque. Despite its unusual exterior design, the mosque has a rather ordinary interior. It served for daily fivefold prayers. The presence of a dome gives the hall the significance of dhikrkhan, that is, a place for Sufis to conduct their ritual ceremonies, which often included recitation, singing, and instrumental music. Hudjra living rooms are attached to the side walls of the central building. There are four towers in the four corners of the mosque building, resembling minarets in shape, due to which the whole complex is called Chor Minor (Four Minarets). On the second floor and in the towers there were utility rooms and, as is believed, there was once an extensive library.
Each of the four towers (minarets) has a different shape. It is believed that the decoration elements of these towers reflect the religious – philosophical understanding of the four world religions. At least one can easily see in some elements something resembling a cross, Christian fish, and Buddhist prayer wheels.

A hauz has been preserved on the site near Madrasah Chor Minor, most likely relating to the same time period as the complex of buildings. # 515.