description Tillya Kori Mosque Overview
The Tillya Kori Mosque is an Islamic place of worship located in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, within the historic Registan complex. Built between 1646 and 1660 during the rule of the Ashtarkhanid dynasty, it was commissioned by Yalangtush Bahadur, the local governor. The mosque is renowned for its heavily gilded interior, which inspired its name meaning "gilded" in Uzbek. It features an expansive courtyard, a large prayer hall, and an attached madrasa, and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Historic Samarkand.
help Tillya Kori Mosque FAQ
Where is the Tillya Kori Mosque located?
The mosque is located in the city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, specifically framing the eastern side of the historic Registan public square. It sits alongside two other massive medieval madrasas, the Ulugh Beg and Sher-Dor, forming one of Central Asia's most iconic architectural ensembles.
What does the name "Tillya Kori" mean?
The name translates to "Gilded" in the Tajik language, a direct reference to the mosque's incredibly lavish interior. The walls and domes feature an extraordinarily heavy application of gold leaf, giving the central prayer hall a brilliant, shimmering appearance.
When was the Tillya Kori Mosque constructed?
Construction of the grand mosque and its attached madrasa took place between 1646 and 1660. It was commissioned by the local ruler Yalangtush Bakhadur to serve as the grand Friday Mosque for the city of Samarkand.
What architectural anomaly exists on the exterior of the Tillya Kori Mosque?
While the mosque features two massive, tile-covered minarets, they were structurally never fully completed. The heavily gilded interior courtyard was also deliberately designed to visually mimic the stunning throne hall of the royal Timurid palaces that once stood nearby.
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