Kokildor-Ota Khanaka, Termez

Kokildor-Ota Khanaka is an ancient architectural monument dating back to the XI century, located on the outskirts of Termez. This religious complex, rooted in the Sufi tradition, served as a place of seclusion and spiritual practice for followers of mystical teachings. The name “Kokildor-Ota” is linked to a revered Sufi sheikh who, according to legend, possessed profound theological knowledge. Renowned as a mentor to dervishes, he dedicated his life to spiritual pursuit and the spread of Sufi doctrine. A religious community grew around his monastery, drawing numerous pilgrims from across the region.

The Kokildor-Ota Khanaka is a portal-domed structure with five spacious interior chambers. Its design blends traditional features of Central Asian architecture with decorative motifs distinctive to the Termez region. The dome above the central hall imparts a sense of openness and grandeur, while the massive portal underscores the building’s monumentality. Lighting was given particular attention: daylight filters through small arched windows beneath the dome and high in the walls, creating a soft, diffused glow that accentuates the interior’s details.

Scholars believe the khanaka took on its present architectural form in the XV century, during the height of the Timurid Empire. This was a period when grand monuments were built in many cities of the realm, alongside large-scale restorations of existing structures.

Although little is known about the khanaka’s precise history, it remains a significant example of regional architecture and an important part of Termez’s spiritual heritage.