Seyit Jemaleddin - mysterious mosque

Once you started to travel Turkmenistan, it is impossible not to stop for Seyit Jemaleddin mosque. The mosque is located in district Annau (12 kilometre southeast of capital city Ashgabat). If you want to hunt many birds with one stone, it is useful to know that there are ancient temples around the mosque site. Wheat Factory Temple is one of them where 5000 year old wheat grains are found in archaeological examinations. However, these are not only reasons make the mosque special.

The mosque is one of the rare Timurid-era monuments on the territory of Turkmenistan. Each piece of ceramic patterns, even bricks, is special for the mosque. The architecture of the building helps you to realize what the luxury was in 15th century. One curious feature of the mosque is the mosaic above the entrance arch; depicting two enormous 8-9 meter high dragons facing each other were in sharp contradiction to the late-Islamic ban against depicting any living being in art.

The mosque belongs to 15th century (built in 1456). According to inscriptions on its facades and interior, it was built when Khoresm was ruled by Abu Kasim Baber Bahadurhan (1446-1457). The name of the mosque comes from the father of vizier Muhammed Khudaiot who was the financer of mosque’s construction near the grave of his father.

Seyit Jemaleddin mosque

 

Fortress

 

The mosque had stood till the earthquake in 1948. The Earthquake destroyed the entire Ashgabat and Seyit Jemaleddin mosque was mostly damaged. But it is miracle to stand even after 6 centuries and an earthquake. The place is still used by native prayers and visitors. It gives extra opportunity to get idea about national and religious Turkmen traditions. The area is still one of the most important religious places of Turkmenistan. Local visitors come to pray, sacrifice and see (especially weekend).

It would be useful to know that the mosque should not be confused with Sayed Jamaluddin Mosque in India which names are closely similar.

If you do not want to share your regrets on the internet about not to come and see Seyit Jemaleddin mosque; then come and see!