Timurid-era mosque in Uzbekistan restored with US support

US grant helps revive 15th-century religious complex linked to Sufi tradition, highlighting shared commitment to cultural heritage.

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan (MNTV) — A monumental 15th-century religious and architectural landmark in southern Uzbekistan has reopened to visitors following a comprehensive restoration supported by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). 

The Langar Ota complex, located in the Kashkadarya region, underwent emergency restoration with US$250,000 in U.S. funding.

According to UZ Daily, the restored site was formally inaugurated during a ceremony attended by U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan Jonathan Henick, alongside local officials, experts, and residents. 

Ambassador Henick described the restoration as a powerful symbol of the growing strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and the United States and reaffirmed Washington’s broader commitment to protecting global cultural heritage.

Situated in the village of Katta Langar at the foot of the Gissar mountain range, the Langar Ota complex includes a mosque and a mausoleum built in 1448.

The site is considered a masterpiece of Timurid-era architecture, known for its detailed tilework, carved wooden elements, and spiritual significance as a pilgrimage center associated with the Sufi Ishqiya order. 

Historically, the complex was home to one of the world’s oldest known Qur’ans written in Kufic script.

Restoration work began in late 2023 under the supervision of the University of Chicago’s Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures. 

The project involved structural reinforcement, tile and roof repairs, and the training of local specialists—part of a long-term effort to promote sustainable restoration practices in Uzbekistan.

“Cultural heritage is the key to understanding the past and ourselves. It knows no borders,” Ambassador Henick said during the opening. He praised the project’s broader significance and the opportunity to contribute to preserving Central Asia’s cultural legacy.

This initiative forms part of wider U.S.-Uzbek efforts to deepen cultural cooperation. In 2023, both countries signed an agreement aimed at curbing the illicit trafficking of cultural artifacts and enhancing collaboration between law enforcement and heritage institutions.

Now fully restored, the Langar Ota complex stands once again as a vibrant monument to Uzbekistan’s spiritual history and architectural heritage—welcoming both pilgrims and cultural visitors alike.