Gumbaz Synagogue — Attraction in Samarkand City

Gumbaz Synagogue, Samarkand.

The Gumbaz Synagogue, this sacred space, located in a vibrant neighborhood, is is not only a place of worship but also a historical landmark, reflecting the long-standing presence of Jewish communities in the region.

The Gumbaz Synagogue is the only Jewish landmark in the city, and it dates back to the end of the nineteenth century, specifically to the year 1891. This Jewish landmark is characterized by being influenced by the Islamic architecture surrounding it, and added wonderful decorations and mosaics on its walls and domes, and made the merging of European and Islamic details of the building a matter.

As you step inside, you will be greeted by a serene atmosphere that invites reflection and admiration. The interior is adorned with symbolic art and artifacts that narrate the story of Jewish life in Samarkand, making it an educational experience for tourists.

The Gumbaz Synagogue is open daily from early morning until evening, making it convenient for tourists to include in their itinerary without the pressure of strict visiting hours.

(from: evendo.com)

However, our visit to the synagogue was fruitless, as the synagogue remained closed for maintenance work. This made it impossible for me to take any photos of...

We spoke to a local shopkeeper of apparent Jewish extraction, who explained that only a handful of the ancient Jewish community remain , most left after independence for the US, Austria or Israel. We saw the dome and we found the door down a side alley and knocked ( although there was a number to ring) and it was quickly answered . The caretaker , Tamara, explained the history of the synagogue ( in Russian) and showed us in but only after We explained we were Christians but had many Jewish friends and colleagues, we put on our ( Uzbek) scullcaps . There are carved wooden panels around the walls , with cupboard doors for books etc . A printed tora in Hebrew was given by polish Jews. These is a raised central platform for the Rabbi . Ladies sit behind a wooden lattice in a side room . There is a pale blue domed roof . It is not a museum , but a place of worship, with no public funding and a tiny community to support it , so people quibbling about the ‘price’ of 50,000 som are missing the point . We gave 200k for us both . One other Russian speaking ‘East’ German came in while we...

I recently visited this synagogue and while the place itself was interesting, I left feeling disappointed and frankly taken advantage of. Upon arrival, there was no mention of any fees. However, during our 5 minute visit, I was presented with a surprisingly high charge of 150 000 Soms for 2 people as “donations.” That’s not how donations work. If there’s a mandatory fee, just be honest and upfront about it. The lack of transparency felt deceptive and left a bad impression. I don’t mind supporting places I enjoy, but I do mind being misled. If you're considering a visit, be aware that you may be charged significantly more than expected under the guise of...