Ensemble of Khoja-Gaukushan is one of the significant historic monuments in the center of Bukhara. It was constructed in the second half of the 16th century.
Construction was sponsored by Djuybar Sheikh Hodja Saad, who was named by people as Khoja Kalon or Great Hodja. May be, that’s why all constructions of the complex are named after him in anyway. Before the madrasah, there was a trade area, and earlier slaughterhouse. That’s why it has another name Gaukushan, which means “one who kills bulls”.
Architecture
The complex includes large madrasah and mosque with huge minaret. Khoja-Gaukushan Madrasah was constructed in 1570. At that time, Bukhara Khanate was ruled by Abdulla-khan II of Sheibanids dynasty. The madrasah was constructed on the fork of the streets and therefore it looks like the trapeze. However, his courtyard has a familiar planning. Decoration of the large two-storey building was made in oriental style. Outside, it is decorated with the traditional dome.
In 1598, Friday mosque “Khodja Mosque” with huge minaret was constructed near it. It was named as Hodja Kalon. It is the second largest minaret after Kalyan minaret.
Sheikh “Hodja Kalon” is buried in family tomb Djuybar sheikhs Chor Bakr in Bukhara suburb, in the village of Sumitan.
Due to its artistic value Khoja Gaukushan Ensemble was included to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
