The crown jewel of Kokand is the palace of its final ruler, Khudoyar Khan, which was constructed in 1871 and stands as a testament to staggering grandeur. This magnificent palace complex was built in the traditional style of Central Asian architecture, featuring a towering portal adorned with a large entrance arch and flanked by four minarets—two standing on either side of the portal, and two forming the wings of the facade.
Surrounded by a carved stone wall, the Khudoyar Khan Palace comprised seven small courtyards and 119 rooms, covering a total area of 4 acres with its foundation raised three meters above ground level. Above the main gate, an Arabic inscription proclaimed the name “Great Seyed Mohammad Khudoyar Khan.” The construction of this opulent palace involved the labor of 16 thousand people and 80 masters, who worked under harsh conditions. They were often subjected to fines and corporal punishment for minor infractions. Despite these hardships, the efforts resulted in the creation of a truly magnificent palace that continues to awe visitors with its wealth and splendor.