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In 12 km to the east Ashkhabad lays the medieval city of Anau . In its territory ancient constructions were saved some. It is considered most known of them Seyitdzhemaliddin Mosque.
It is a medieval mosque constructed in the 15th century. Unfortunately, Ashgabat earthquake destroyed building down to the ground. Today it is shown to tourists in the restored version. The mosque consists of 17 rooms: there is a square hall crowned by a dome resting on four big arches. The hall's walls are divided into three tiers. Two extensive deep niches lead to the terrace. The spiral stairs leading to the galleries of the second and third floors as well as the roof are located in the hall's corners. A big aivan stands in the mosque's yard from the northern side.
The mosque's originality is in its decorative finish. The inscription about the facade says that the building was erected during Abul-Kasim Babur's rule (Khoresm, 1447-1457). The main portal arch is decorated with the figures of mythical dragons. According to historians the magic dragons were placed to guard "The House of Dzhemal" from evil spirits.
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