Maghaki Attari Mosque

This model represents the Magoki Attari Mosque, one of the oldest Islamic structures in Bukhara.
Its name reflects its unusual position: the building lies below the current ground level. Over centuries, accumulated cultural layers raised the surrounding terrain, leaving the mosque in a depression — hence the term “magok,” meaning “pit.”
The original construction dates to the 9th–10th centuries, during the Samanid period. The structure was later modified, with the southern portal of the 12th century standing out as a rare example of refined brick decoration without glazed ornament.
Archaeological evidence suggests that earlier religious structures may have existed on this site, making the mosque an important marker of the transition from pre-Islamic to Islamic urban culture.
Located in a commercial district, its name “Attari” refers to traders of perfumes and medicinal substances. This reflects the integrated nature of religious and economic life in Islamic cities.
Magoki Attari is a key example of Bukhara’s layered historical development.