Welcome to the website of the “Said Azim Khodja” Mosque
The “Said Azim Khodja” Mosque is a bridge between centuries of history and the modern community, built on a foundation of faith, generosity, and respect for our ancestors. We are pleased to welcome you to our official website, where you will find information about the life of our community and connect with the rich spiritual and historical heritage of this sacred place. Our mission is to serve as a spiritual center for our congregation and to cherish the memory of the remarkable individuals whose efforts erected and revived this holy site.
«The mosques of Allah are only to be maintained by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day and establish prayer and give zakat and do not fear except Allah. It is expected that they will be of the [rightly] guided.».
(Quran, 9:18)
About the Mosque
Four Centuries of Spirituality
The history of our mosque dates back to the 17th century—it was founded over 360 years ago. For centuries, it served as the main spiritual center of the region, functioning as a congregational mosque (jome), where worshippers from all the surrounding areas would gather.
Throughout its long history, the holy site has undergone three major reconstructions, each one a contribution from the prominent figures of their time:
- The first restoration was carried out by an enlightened and wealthy man named Nurmukhammadkhodja.
- The second restoration took place in the 1810s through the efforts of the sons of Mirkhalil Khodji.
- The third and most significant reconstruction was led by Saidazimkhodji himself after the 1890s, when he invested his own efforts and funds into renovating the house of Allah.
In 1937, during the years of Stalin’s repressions, the mosque was closed. For 92 long years, its doors remained shut to the faithful, but its memory continued to live on in the hearts of the people.
The Revival of the Sanctuary (2023) — A Tribute to the Ancestors
A new chapter in the mosque’s history began in 2023. During a visit to Namangan, Saidazimkhodji’s grandson, the world-renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist Azim Roy (Ruziokhun Saidazimov), met with the elders of the “Zarbdor” mahalla (community). Hearing their sincere request to revive the sanctuary associated with his grandfather’s name, he unhesitatingly decided to build a new, modern mosque on this historic site, entirely at his own expense.
This noble project became a symbol of the continuity of generations and united the people. The construction was managed by Azim Roy’s nephews—Mirjalol and Mirzafar Miryusupov. Tremendous support was provided by local entrepreneurs and specialists. But the main driving force of the project was a spirit of unity: the residents of the mahalla actively participated in the construction through khashar (communal volunteer work), contributing their labor to the common good.
Architecture
A Harmony of Tradition and Modernity
The new building of the “Said Azim Khodja” Mosque represents a harmonious blend of modern construction technologies and the age-old canons of traditional Islamic architecture. Every element, from the majestic dome to the elegant minarets, has been crafted with respect for its spiritual heritage.
The ancient wooden gates serve as a special relic and a connecting thread to the past. They once belonged to the madrasah of Azizkhodji Eshon. During the years of religious persecution, these modest-looking gates were installed here to avoid attracting undue attention from the authorities. Today, they are honored as silent witnesses to history and a symbol of the unshakeable faith of our people.
News
Our Founders
Saidazimkhodja (c. 1853-1958)
Saidazimkhodja was a landmark figure in Namangan—a man who combined an outstanding entrepreneurial talent with deep spiritual knowledge. Beginning his career as a skilled confectioner, known throughout the city as “Saidazim Kandpurush,” he showed an innovative spirit by founding Namangan’s first sugar factory equipped with advanced European machinery.
However, the main purpose of his life was service to his faith. As a deeply religious man and a hafiz who knew the Holy Quran by heart, he made a huge contribution to the spiritual life of the region. It was he who led the third large-scale reconstruction of the mosque, becoming its patron.
Saidazimkhodja’s fate was filled with severe trials. During the Soviet era, he was repressed as a “kulak” (a wealthy peasant), arrested, and miraculously escaped execution. He was exiled to Kazakhstan and later found refuge in the Kyrgyz village of Chaldovar, where he lived out the rest of his days, leaving behind a radiant memory as a master builder and a man of unwavering faith.
Lineage and Ancestors: Roots Stretching Back Centuries
The noble deeds of Saidazimkhodja were a continuation of his ancestors’ traditions. His lineage traces back to Abdullohodje Eshon—one of the great and revered figures of Namangan, whose ancestry, according to historical sources, is connected to the Prophet Muhammad himself (PBUH).
Abdullohodje Eshon was a spiritual mentor, and his home in the historic Gishtkuprik area was a center of attraction for the faithful. The traditions of faith, hard work, honesty, and service to the people were passed down in this family from generation to generation, laying a solid spiritual foundation for future accomplishments.
Azim Roy (Patron and Grandson): A Worthy Successor to His Ancestors’ Legacy
Azim Roy (born Orozakhun Fayzievich Saidazimov) is a worthy grandson of his great grandfather, a world-renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist. His life path is a story of incredible spiritual strength. Having gone through a difficult, orphaned childhood and numerous trials, he achieved outstanding success in business, founding and leading major companies in metallurgy, construction, and investment around the world.
Despite his high international status, Azim Roy never forgot his roots or the hardships he had endured. His life principle, which became his guide to action, is: “Remember where you come from, and life will surely give you the opportunity to repay the kindness that you once lacked.“
This principle is vividly reflected in his large-scale charitable activities. For over 30 years, he has been the main patron of the Belovodskoye Children’s Psychoneurological Center in Kyrgyzstan and provides constant assistance to the residents of his native villages of Chaldovar and Bukara. The construction of the “Said Azim Khodja” Mosque in Namangan has become the crowning achievement of his service to the memory of his ancestors and a shining example of how the good deeds of one person can serve an entire society.