Seyit Jemaletdin Mosque, Medieval Islamic mosque in Anau, Turkmenistan
Seyit Jemaletdin Mosque is a medieval Islamic structure in Anau featuring a central hall rising about 11 meters and covered by an elliptical dome. The building had multiple exits and rooms at basement level that served various functions.
The structure was built between 1446 and 1457 under orders from Vizier Mohammed Hudaydot. It sustained severe damage from the devastating earthquake of 1948 that struck the region.
The northern entrance shows rare dragon imagery in Central Asian Islamic architecture, created with yellow majolica mosaic decorations. This artistic choice was uncommon for religious buildings in this region and period.
The site is located about 12 kilometers east of Ashgabat and can be reached by taxi or public transport along the Ashgabat-Mary highway. The ruins are in an open area, making visits possible at any time of day.
The complex also preserves medieval water storage systems and traditional seating areas that show how spaces were used in daily life. These details give insight into the everyday activities of people who visited the building.
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