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STUDY AND ANALYSIS OF HISTORICAL SOURCES ON ODINA
MOSQUE
Sultanov I.Z.
Senior teacher
Tugalov Abror
Master’s student
Samarkand State Architectural and Civil Engineering
University, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15747380
Annotation.
This article examines the historical background of the Odina
Mosque situated in the historic center of Qarshi city, focusing on its architectural
features, cultural and social importance, and its current state. Built in the late
14th century during the reign of Amir Timur, the mosque functioned as a
significant religious, political, and cultural hub of the region. The study relies on
historical sources and archaeological evidence to analyze the mosque's role and
preservation over time.
Annotatsiya.
Ushbu maqolada Qarshi shahrining tarixiy markazida
joylashgan Odina masjidining tarixiy tarixi, uning me’moriy xususiyatlari,
madaniy va ijtimoiy ahamiyati hamda zamonaviy davrdagi holati o‘rganiladi.
Masjid 14-asr oxirlarida Amir Temur davrida qurilgan bo‘lib, o‘sha paytda
mintaqaning diniy, siyosiy va madaniy markazi sifatida xizmat qilgan.
Tadqiqotda tarixiy manbalar va arxeologik dalillar asosida masjidning roli va
saqlanishi tahlil qilinadi.
Keywords:
Historic city, cultural heritage, site, historical and cultural,
reserve, archaeological, architectural monument, complexes, city, valuable,
grouped monuments, ancient cities, historical and artistic.
Kalit so'zlar:
Tarixiy shahar, madaniy meros, ob'ekt, tarixiy va madaniy,
qo'riqxona, qo'riqxona, arxeologik, me'moriy yodgorlik, majmualar, shahar,
qimmatbaho, guruhlangan yodgorliklar, qadimiy shaharlar, tarixiy va badiiy.
Introduction.
Historical monuments are important sources that reflect the
cultural and spiritual heritage of past eras. Their study not only enriches
historical knowledge but also plays a crucial role in preserving our cultural
heritage and passing it on to future generations. One such monument is the
Odina Mosque, which needs to be studied and analyzed through historical
sources.
The Odina Mosque is one of the ancient architectural structures located in the
territory of Uzbekistan. Its construction history and the socio-political processes
surrounding it can be explored through various historical sources, archival
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documents, and archaeological excavation results. Although the mosque has
undergone many changes, information about its original architectural form and
function has been preserved in historical sources.
Methods of Studying Historical Sources.
In studying the Odina Mosque,
it is necessary to refer to the following historical sources:
Archival documents
including ancient letters, decrees, financial records, and others that provide
information about the construction and development of the mosque.
Archaeological research
artifacts and building materials found during
excavations help determine the mosque’s construction technology and period.
Oral history and folk memory
legends and stories preserved among the
local population complement historical sources.
Architectural analysis
the mosque’s architectural style, decorative
elements, and other features are compared with other historical monuments.
Results of the Analysis.
As a result of analyzing the historical sources, the
construction period of the Odina Mosque, its social and religious significance,
and its place in the cultural heritage have been clarified. The mosque served not
only as a place of worship but also as a cultural center of the region. The unique
features in construction and decorative elements demonstrate the high level of
architecture of that era. Studying and analyzing the Odina Mosque through
historical sources is of great importance for preserving it as a cultural heritage
and passing it on to future generations. Through in-depth research of this
monument, not only will our historical knowledge be enriched, but our respect
for our national culture will also increase. In the future, more extensive studies
will provide an opportunity for a more comprehensive understanding of the
Odina Mosque.
The city of Qarshi is one of the oldest cities located in southern Uzbekistan.
An integral part of the city’s history is the Odina Jome Mosque (also known as
Nasaf Kata Jome), which represents an important subject of scientific research
due to its historical and architectural features. According to historical sources,
the Odina Jome Mosque was built in 1385–1386 by the order of the great
military commander Amir Timur. At that time, the mosque was situated in the
center of the Qarshi fortress and functioned as the city’s main public religious
building.
At the same time, the concept of a “historic city” usually has two meanings:
either legal or factual. The first refers to a city recognized by UNESCO, included
in state documents and legislative acts, and listed among reserve cities
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possessing historical and cultural heritage. The second meaning refers to a
settlement with historically and artistically confirmed characteristics.
Later, the term “historic city” was introduced, encompassing monuments,
architectural complexes, and urban buildings that represent historical, artistic,
and urban planning value; natural landscapes; interesting examples of ancient
urban planning; as well as archaeologically valuable cultural layers.
[1]
According to the resolution of the Government of the Republic of
Uzbekistan, ten cities with the highest concentration of architectural
monuments are included in the list of historic cities. These include Samarkand,
Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz, Qarshi, Tashkent, Kokand, Gijduvan, Vabkent, and
others. Scientific research work to determine the historical and cultural value of
ancient and old cities of Uzbekistan continues, and the number of historic cities
is increasing. The need to preserve the historical, cultural, and urban planning
heritage of a historic city requires its restoration. However, preserving the
urban heritage within the entire architectural complex and considering the
historic city or its central core as a single and integral monument of urban
culture is a relatively new program in the field of historical and cultural heritage
protection.
Initially, the main task of protecting historical and cultural heritage was
considered to be only the physical preservation of the monument, which limited
the understanding of its modern role in shaping the architectural and artistic
appearance of the urban environment. Currently, the attitude towards
architectural monuments has changed, and adequate methods for their
protection are being developed.
[4]
Although in some sources the name “Odina” mosque is associated with women ,
most historians consider this name simply as a toponym the name of the
locality. From an architectural point of view, the Odina Jome Mosque is
considered one of the classic examples of Islamic architecture in Central Asia.
The mosque’s dimensions are approximately 50 by 40 meters and include a
large domed prayer hall. The mihrab is located on the main western wall, around
which the “Ayat al-Kursi” verse from the Holy Quran is calligraphically inscribed
in golden letters.
In the main structure of the building, columns, arches, and high domes are
harmoniously used. Previously, the mosque territory was surrounded by the
iwan “Kovush Partav” (a place for removing shoes).
Historical changes. 1860s:
As a result of military actions related to the defense of the fortress, the mosque’s
dome and minarets were shelled and partially destroyed.
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1861–1914:
The mosque was partially restored by order of the Bukhara
Emir Said Olimkhan.
Soviet period (1938):
The mosque was converted into a prison, and
religious activities were ceased.
2004–2005:
In connection with the 2700th anniversary of the city of
Qarshi, the prison was relocated, and the building’s historical status was
restored.
2018:
The mosque was included in the state register of cultural heritage
sites of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
2021:
The Museum of Remembrance of the Victims of Repression was
opened in the mosque building, and restoration works amounting to 500 million
soms were carried out. [5]
Significance of the mosque.
The Odina Jome Mosque is not only an
important monument of the city of Qarshi but also of the entire historical and
cultural heritage of Uzbekistan. Thanks to its rich history, unique architecture,
and centuries-old social significance, it occupies a special place. Its restoration
and transformation into a cultural center are important steps both in preserving
history and in passing this heritage on to future generations.
Methodology of
graphic reconstruction of the Odina Jome Mosque as it was in the 15th
century
Source study:
Analysis of archival documents, historical sources, and
scientific literature; use of old maps, images, and photographs; collection of data
about the architecture of neighboring cities and settlements.
Archaeological research:
Excavations on the mosque territory and its
surroundings; identification of cemeteries, construction remains, and other
archaeological findings.
Architectural analysis:
Study of the current condition of the mosque and
analysis of preserved building elements; reconstruction based on remaining
building materials and architectural styles.
Comparative analysis method:
Comparison with other mosques and
architectural monuments of the same period; study of architectural elements
within the general cultural context.
Graphic modeling and visualization:
Creation of drawings, sketches, and
3D models based on collected data; accurate rendering of details with emphasis
on color and structure.
Collaboration with experts:
Consultations with architects, historians,
and heritage specialists; involvement of additional expert opinions. This
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methodology allows for a scientific and reliable reconstruction of the
appearance and architecture of the Odina Jome Mosque in its historical form of
the 15th century.
Conclusion
The Odina Jome Mosque is an outstanding architectural monument playing an
important role in the historical and cultural life of the city of Qarshi. Built at the
end of the 14th century on the initiative of Amir Timur, it served not only as a
place for prayers but also as a spiritual, political, and cultural center of its time.
Its architectural structure, decorative elements, and location reflect the high
level of urban planning and culture of that period. Today, the preservation and
study of the mosque are of great importance for protecting historical heritage
and passing it on to future generations. The Odina Mosque is not only an
architectural monument but also a profound mark in the spiritual life of the
people, deserving special attention and respect.
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Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (PQ–4068,
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18.
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