MOSQUEE KOK GOUMBAZ

The mosque was built by Oulough Begh in front of the Mausolée Koulial mausoleum in 1435. Before renovation, there remained only the inner dome, 22 m high; it is 36 today. She gave her name to the mosque: Kok Goumbaz means "blue dome". The acoustics are perfect. The walls and inner dome are entirely covered with polychrome geometric motifs. Notice the glazed bricks of the external portal, the old and new bricks are clearly distinguished. The original technique that allowed the gradient of blue would have been lost, perhaps it is too expensive. To obtain the same decorative effect, three small bricks are needed in replacement of an old brick gradient. Twice a year, several thousand people gather there to pray.