Ozbek Han Mosque

Ozbek Han Mosque
Basic information
Location	Staryi Krym
Geographic coordinates	45°01′45″N 35°05′19″E / 45.02917°N 35.08861°E / 45.02917; 35.08861Coordinates: 45°01′45″N 35°05′19″E / 45.02917°N 35.08861°E / 45.02917; 35.08861
Affiliation	Islam
Rite	Sunni
State	Ukraine
Territory	Crimea
Status	Active
Architectural description
Architectural type	Mosque
Completed	1314
Specifications
Minaret(s)	1

The Ozbek Han Mosque is located in Staryi Krym, Ukraine. The Ozbek Han Mosque is the oldest mosque in Crimea, built during the reign of Uzbeg Khan in 1314.^[1]

History

Until the 14th century Staryi Krym was known as Solkhat, a prospering city during the reign of the Golden Horde. Early Crimean Khans had their capital in Solkhat until the first part of the 16th century, when the capital was moved to Bakhchisaray, and Solkhat gradually lost its importance as a cultural and economic center.^[1]

Madrasah of Eski Kirim (1332) next to Ozbek Han Mosque

The Ozbek Han Mosque was built in 1314 and the madrasah, adjacent to the southern wall of the mosque, was built by Inci Hatun, daughter of Kilburun Bey, in 1332. Only the ruins of the madrasah remain today. The mosque has a square floor plan, which reveals architectural features similar to those found in Anatolia during the Seljuk period. A unique feature of the mosque is its monumental entrance with a carved wooden door.^[1]

Today, Staryi Krym has a small but devoted Crimean Tatar population, and the Ozbek Han Mosque is once again functioning as a place of worship.

Photos

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References

1. ^ ^{a b c} "Crimean Tatar Architecture". International Committee for Crimea. http://www.iccrimea.org/monuments/monuments.html. Retrieved 2011-02-20.