DEGGARON MOSQUE

Deggaron mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Uzbekistan. This mosque is located in Karmana district of Navoi region near the village of Khazara. 

Mosque Deggaron gained notoriety in science in 1934. According to reports, the mosque was built on the ruins of an earlier building in the XI-XII centuries. The building was built on the ruins of earlier one. It is interesting, that the mosque almost perfectly oriented to the four cardinal points. It is tempting to conjecture that for many years before the construction of the mosque Deggaron there was a Zoroastrian (Manichaean) temple. This village existed for a very short time – soon, due to the drought, the inhabitants left this place. In the 15th century the abandoned area of the village had arisen Deggaron Khazar fortress. The name of the mosque is associated with the name of one of the representatives of the Sufi Shaykh Hozhagon Mavlony Deggaronyi. He was born in 1313 and was buried in 1376 in this village. Many historians consider him as a founder of the Sufi school of Bakhaudin Naqshbandi.

According to legend, in this village people were engaged in pottery and making large boilers, which were known throughout the region. When exploring the area, a lot of pottery was found. And around the mosque, archaeologists found the remains of the walls of an ancient settlement, possibly streets or the center of workshops.

View of the Deggaron mosque from the remains of the walls of the ancient settlement.

The mosque is a treasure and pride of local people, scientists and tourists are interested in history of this monument. The uniqueness of the mosque also lies in the unusual architectural structure. During its construction, the masters used many different techniques and styles. This architecture is more typical of pre-Islamic buildings that resemble Zoroastrian temples from the outside. They were also characterized by a central dome system supported on four pillars. For Islamic buildings, the technology of domed ceilings was characteristic, but in early structures, not a single dome was used, but a system of several small domes with support on supporting columns. Some floors, columns and part of the foundation made of brick. The walls were built using mud bricks and pakhsa (a mixture of clay and grass). The building has nine domes, the largest one is 3 meters in diameter, and supported by four massive columns made of baked bricks.

The internal volume of the room seems to be much larger than the overall size of the building. This feeling is created by the presence of domes. The roof of this building is amazing. Supported by columns, arcs of pointed arches divide the interior space and several small halls. From arches by means of brick sails the transition to domes is carried out. The building is crowned with a collection of nine domes of various sizes and shapes. Five different geometric types.

The arches of the central roof are decorated with ganch. According to some sources a wooden Ayvan adjoined the mosque. Unfortunately, it was lost after the first restoration of the building. The mosque has been restored recently, and it is still active. The mosque was established the memorial complex "Mavlon Orif of Deggaronyi”. In the memorial complex "Mavlon Orif of Deggaronyi" is a tomb of Sheikh Orifa Deggaron, Museum, garden, large wells, and excavations.

Mavlon Orif of Deggaronyi was a famous religious figure who considered to be one of the mentors Bakhaudin Naqshbandi.

The mosque has an impressive appearance, despite the fact that it has been repeatedly restored. At the City Hall of Navoi region there is a fund of "Deggaroniy”.

METHODICAL RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. The guide should explain an unusual system of domes, try to focus your story on the technology of construction.

2. Take the group inside and show them the interior of the mosque. All the visitors should take off their shoes at the entrance.

3. You can take the group to a small museum nearby.

4. Muslim believers are given a time to pray near the grave of Sheikh Orif Deggaron.

5. Tourists are given at least 10-15 minutes of free time.                                   

Compiled and translated by: Azarenko E., a guide of the first category

Tourism development institute under the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Tourism Development

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