khanqahs

Khanqah (also khanqaha, khāneqah) is a building or complex used by Sufi orders as a spiritual retreat, residence, and center for instruction. The term derives from Persian khāneqah and is used in many Muslim regions to designate a lodge where dervishes or mystics live, practice dhikr, study, and receive guidance from a Sufi sheikh.

Functions of a khanqah typically include lodging for practitioners, instruction in Sufi doctrine, and collective devotional practices such as dhikr. They may also host charitable work, poetry, and sermons. Architecturally, a khanqah often features a courtyard, a prayer or meditation space, dormitories, kitchens, and libraries; in some cases the tomb or shrine of a Sufi saint lies nearby, drawing visitors.

Historically, khanqahs emerged in the medieval Islamic world and spread across Persia, Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and beyond. They served as hubs for Sufi networks, education, and social welfare, complementing mosques and madrasas. The design and size of khanqahs vary by region, but they are typically modest, functional compounds focused on communal living and spiritual practice.

Today, khanqahs continue in some Sufi communities, especially in Iran, South Asia, and Central Asia, though many have declined or been repurposed due to secularization and urban change. Some survive as active religious centers, others as cultural heritage sites or museums. They remain an important source for the study of Sufism, religious architecture, and regional traditions.