Nadir Divan Begi Khanaka — Attraction in Bukhara City

🕌 Nadir Divan-Begi Khanaka – A Spiritual Haven by Lyab-i Hauz, Bukhara 📍 Location: Lyab-i Hauz Ensemble, Bukhara, Uzbekistan 📅 Built: Early 17th Century (circa 1620s) 🔨 Commissioned by: Nadir Divan-Begi, vizier of Imam Quli Khan

✨ What is a Khanaka? A khanaka (also spelled khanqah or khanegah) is a Sufi lodge—a place for spiritual retreat, prayer, and communal living for dervishes and travelers. These were important religious and cultural centers in Central Asia during the Islamic Golden Age.

🌟 Highlights of Nadir Divan-Begi Khanaka: Part of the Famous Lyab-i Hauz Ensemble The Khanaka stands alongside the Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah and Kukeldash Madrasah, forming one of Bukhara’s most picturesque and culturally rich complexes around the Lyab-i Hauz pond.

Architectural Simplicity Meets Spiritual Purpose Unlike the richly decorated madrasahs, the Khanaka features a more subdued design, reflecting its spiritual role. It has a large central domed hall, where Sufi gatherings, zikr (remembrance of God), and spiritual teachings took place.

Historical Importance It was built during a period of revival of Sufism in the region and served as an important center for the Naqshbandi order, which was very influential in Bukhara.

Current Use While it no longer functions as a spiritual retreat, the Khanaka is open to visitors, offering a quiet and reflective atmosphere and often housing cultural exhibitions or local artisan shops.

📷 Don’t Miss: The massive central dome, best viewed from inside

The shady trees and peaceful courtyard around Lyab-i Hauz

Photogenic views with reflections on the pond at...

Divan-Beghi Khanaka (1619-20).

Divan-Beghi Khanaka is part of a trio of buildings surrounding a historic pond, or hauz, from which the Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble gets its name (“by the pond” in Persian). Located on the western side of the plaza, the khanaka was built in 1620 by Nadir Divan-Beghi, vizier and influential figure in Bukhara, the ruler of the city from 1611-41, under the Ashtarkhanid dynasty.

This 17th-century Sufi lodge served as a spiritual retreat and residence for wandering dervishes. At its heart is a large domed hall (zikr-khana), used for prayer (salat) and special Sufi rituals. Around it are smaller rooms where dervishes and pilgrims could stay.

The central hall also functioned as a mosque, marked by a richly decorated mihrab, a niche indicating the direction of Mecca. This mihrab is the most beautiful element of the design. This mihrab is the highlight of the interior, featuring exquisite muqarnas (stalactite vaults) painted in brilliant colors, showcasing the era’s artistry.

Although more understated than the neighboring Divan-Beghi Madrasah, the khanaka still reflects the refined elegance of Timurid-inspired architecture, with its graceful arched portals and decorative tilework.

Today, the hall serves as a museum of ceramics, continuing its cultural role within the historic...

www.bylismytam.pl Chanaka, czyli suficki dom modlitewny, stoi przy zachodniej granicy placu Lyab-i Hauz. Została wzniesiona około 1619–1620 roku z funduszy wezyra Nadira Divan-Begiego, kuzyna i doradcy chana Imam Quli Khana. Budynek ma prostokątny plan o wymiarach około dwudziestu pięciu na trzydzieści pięć metrów. W centrum znajduje się przestronna sala kopułowa, zwana dhikr-khaną, wokół której rozmieszczono czternaście małych pomieszczeń przeznaczonych dla derwiszy. Główne wejście prowadzi przez wysoki, smukły portal, zwany pishtakiem, flankowany z obu stron cylindrycznymi wieżami. Chanaka służyła jako ważne centrum duchowego życia sufich. To tutaj odbywały się recytacje, wykłady, rytuały i wspólne modlitwy. Przyjmowano pielgrzymów, ubogich i wędrowców, którzy mogli tu znaleźć schronienie. Dziś w murach dawnego domu modlitewnego mieści się muzeum ceramiki i historii sztuki użytkowej Buchary, będące częścią Państwowego...