Bukhara - Nodir Devon Begi Khanaka

Nodir Devon Begi Khanaka in Bukhara is a large multi-chambered building with a central domed hall (11.2 m long on each side) pierced by shallow niches on the sides. The Khanaka is part of the Nodir Devon Begi Khanaka ensemble.

Due to its location as well as the existing large hall with good acoustics, the Nodir Devon Begi Khanaka in Bukhara has been the centre of Bukhara’s cultural and religious life for centuries.

Both the Ashtarkhanids and the Shaibanids promoted Sufi communities. A special role in their state in the first decades of their rule was played by Sheikh Khodja Hashim of Juibar (died 1636).

Thanks to him, Imamkuli-khan (1611-1642) was able to establish himself on the throne of Bukhara. Khodja Hashim was the spiritual advisor not only to the Khan of Bukhara, but also to the ruler of Samarkand, Yalangtush-biya (he later buried Khodja Hashim in the Sher-Dor medrese), as well as to an important dignitary of the Ashtarkhanids Nodir Devon Begi.

The latter is best known for building a madrasa near the Khodja Akhrar necropolis in Samarkand.

Probably on the instructions of Khodja Hashim, Nodir Devon Begi built a large Sufi Khanaka to the east of the Magoki Attari Mosque in 1619-1620. This is a massive structure with a cruciform hall under the dome and hujshras in the corners.