Juma Mosque Interior with 218 Carved Wooden Columns in Khiva, Uzbekistan
The interior of Juma Mosque in Khiva, Uzbekistan, featuring 218 intricately carved wooden columns supporting the ceiling of this 10th-century Friday Mosque within the UNESCO World Heritage Itchan Kala.
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Ancient Architecture of the Silk Road
The Juma Mosque stands as one of Central Asia's most remarkable architectural achievements, its hypostyle hall supported by 218 wooden columns carved from single tree trunks.
Craftsmanship Through Centuries
Each column displays unique carved patterns ranging from geometric Islamic motifs to organic vegetal designs, representing centuries of woodworking tradition from the 10th to 18th centuries.
Living Heritage
Visitors walk among these ancient pillars in the heart of Khiva's Itchan Kala, experiencing the atmospheric interplay of natural light filtering through the mosque's openings onto the weathered stone floor.
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