The Ruins Seyit Jemaleddin Mosque (also spelled Seyit Jemal ad-Din) is a historic mosque located in the town of Anau, about 12 kilometers southeast of Ashgabat. Although much of the structure lies in ruins today, it holds great historical, religious, and cultural significance.
The mosque, originally built in 1456, is an excellent example of Timurid architecture, which blends Persian and Central Asian styles. It was commissioned by Abul-Qasim Babur, a Timurid ruler of the region, who wanted to honor his deceased father, Seyit Jemaleddin, an influential religious figure. It was meant to serve not only as a mosque but also as a mausoleum where the tomb of Seyit Jemaleddin would be housed.
Decorative tiles and intricate patterns that covered the walls and entrance.
Unique carvings and inscriptions on the stone surfaces, including animal motifs. The unusual depiction of two facing dragons on the mosque’s entrance is particularly famous—a rare feature in Islamic art, where animal imagery is uncommon.
However, the structure suffered damage throughout the centuries due to earthquakes and lack of maintenance. The most severe destruction occurred during the 1948 Ashgabat earthquake, which devastated much of the surrounding region, including the mosque.
