Magak-i Attari Mosque (Maghoki Attori Mosque), Bukhara

The Maghoki Attori Mosque, situated in the heart of Bukhara, key component of the Lyab-i Hauz religious complex and is nestled in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Historic Centre of Bukhara. Its origins are believed to be traced back to the 9th or 10th century, built atop a former Zoroastrian temple that existed before the Islamic era. The site's history is rich, having previously hosted a bazaar known for idols, spices, and perfumes, and a Temple of the Moon nearby before the Arab conquest.

This mosque is among the oldest surviving mosques in Central Asia, and remarkably, it has withstood the devastations of the Mongolian invasion. The building underwent significant modifications in the 12th century, receiving a new southern façade and main entrance. A further restoration in the mid-15th century added a new eastern portal and iwan, and the mosque saw additional restoration work in the early 1930s.

Architecturally, the Maghoki Attori Mosque is distinguished by its rectangular plan, measuring 12 by 7.5 meters, and a flat roof that supports two octagonal tholobates with latticed arched windows topped by octagonal domes. Interestingly, the mosque's floor is set approximately 4.5 meters below the surface of the earth, earning it the name "maghākī," which translates to "in a ditch" or "in a pit" in Persian.

The mosque’s southern façade, which served as the main entrance, is notably ornate. It features arrangements of cut and carved bricks, terracotta tiles with floral motifs, and a pointed arch iwan resting on quarter columns embedded in walls adorned with wattle. The decorative elements continue with three stacked rectangular frames on each side of the iwan, each featuring intricate patterns.

Throughout its history, the mosque has also been a place of shared worship. Initially, before the first synagogue in Bukhara was established, Jews and Muslims reportedly prayed together here, though sources vary on whether this was done simultaneously or consecutively.

Today, while it no longer functions as a mosque, the Maghoki Attori Mosque remains a symbol of Bukhara's rich historical and cultural tapestry, preserved not only as an architectural relic but also as a museum that celebrates the region's vibrant heritage in carpet-making.