Archaeological Excavations of the Large Underground Mosque “Hilvet” Near the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi

Archaeological excavations have determined that the underground mosque 'Hilvet', located near the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, was constructed in the 12th century and remained active until the mid-20th century. This finding clarifies its historical significance as a key center for Sufism's development in the Islamic world. The study employed historical-comparative and historical-typological methods, prioritizing data analysis to distinguish scientifically verified facts from legends. Previous research had been hindered by discrepancies in historical records and structural modifications, making exact dating challenging. The excavations, initiated in 1972-1973, provide the first reliable evidence of its original appearance and construction timeline, offering new insights into the typological function of such structures.

Tuyakbayev, M. K., Тursun, K. M., Issayev, M. S., Baybolov, B. K., Shametov, S. T.,. (2021). ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATIONS OF THE LARGE UNDERGROUND MOSQUE “HILVET” NEAR THE MAUSOLEUM OF KHOJA AHMED YASAWI. History of the Homeland, 96(4), 213–222. https://doi.org/10.51943/1814-6961_2021_4_213