Bibi Hanim, Samarkand
 Its construction was started in 1399,
after successful campaign of Timur to India. Mosque
was under construction during 5 years. Its structure
was finished in 1404. By Timur’s idea Bibi Hanim
mosque had to eclipse all that he had seen before
in other countries. Architects, artists, masters and
craftsmen from many East countries were involved in
construction. Two hundred stonemasons from Azerbaijan,
Fars, Hindustan and other countries were working inside
the mosque, and five hundred workers in mountains
near Pendjikent were working under production and
trimming of stones and sending it to Samarkand. Masters
and craftsman gathered and drive together from all
parts of the world put into construction their traditions
and experience.
Building was not finished when Timur went to one of
his new campaigns. After he came back he went to see
new mosque.
Grandiose buildings occupied rectangular yard with
size 130r102 meter. On his west side towered the maim
mosque, on north and south sides were small mosques.
Spacious inside yard was covered by marble flagstones
and enclosed with sheltered gallery for pilgrims.
The entrance to the court was decorated as high portal
with two round minarets that were 50 meters in height.
Font of cathedral mosque was also designed with grandiose
portal with two minarets. The wall of all buildings
outside was decorated with multicolored glaze bricks,
which made intricate geometric ornamental design and
religious aphorisms. Magnificent and rich decoration
of inside buildings consisted of majolica mosaic,
carved marble, stamping on papier-mâché,
gilded design.
However Timur was not satisfied with building and
in a fit of anger ordered to seize magnates Hodja
Mahmud David and Muhammed Djelda who managed the construction.
They were sentenced to death and hanged behind Siab
channel, at the foot of Chupanat.
There is a legend about construction of Bibi-Hanim
mosque that is still known in our days.
Beauty woman Bibi-Hanim, Timur’s wife, decided
to surprise and make glad her husband. When he was
absent being in one of his campaigns she called to
the palace the best constructors and masters of Samarkand
and suggested them construct the building. The work
started immediately. The walls were growing very fast.
More often Bibi-Hanim visited the building site. She
hurried the main architect to finish the work. But
charmed with queen’s beauty architect did not
to hurry constructors.
Meanwhile the message came to Samarkand about Timur’s
coming soon. Bibi-Hanim was ranting and raving. Then
architect made term: “The mosque will be constructed
in time, but … you tsarina will give me a kiss”.
Tsarina was indignant: “ I will give any of
my bondwomen by your choice. Why are you looking only
at me? Look at these colored eggs, that have different
colors and do not look like each other, but if you
will break them, will they really differ? Such are
we, women.”
But architect insisted: “ I will answer you.
Here are two the same glasses. One of then I will
bumper with crystal water, the other with white wine.
They are the same, but if I will touch them with my
lips then one of them will burn me with molten fire,
and I won’t feel the other one. That is love.”
Timur was already close to Samarkand. Vexation of
Bibi-Hanim did not know limits. So long cherished
surprise for master was under the threat. Besides,
as legend says, architect was handsome and young.
And she agreed. Architect blended to beautiful Bibi-Hanim.
At the last moment she tried to protect herself with
palm. But the kiss was so passionate, that ardor got
through arm of beauty and left crimson spot on her
cheek.
After few days Timur came to city. In front of his
look raised cupolas and minarets amazed with its magnificence.
But his gladness was darkened. He became furious when
he saw sign from the kiss. Bibi-Hanim told him the
truth. By order of Iron Lame Man warders started look
for architect. Escaping from pursuit he with his apprentice
climbed on minaret of mosque.
And when warders run up by numerous steps, they found
only one apprentice. “ Where is architect?”-They
asked. “Teacher made for him wings and flew
away to Meshed”-he answered.
That is the legend. History dies not know the name
Bibi-Hanim. It is only known that elder wife of Timur
was called Saray-Mulk-Hanum.
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