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The Uzgen Minaret was built during the Karakhanid dynasty, at the end of the 11th and the beginning of the 12th century. The word "minaret" comes from Arabic and means "light spreader". The minaret was used for the call to prayer (adhan) and also served as a watchtower and a landmark indicating the city center. Originally, the minaret exceeded 40 meters in height. After a powerful earthquake in 1902, its upper part collapsed. In 1923, the minaret was restored, and between 1974 and 1984 it was renovated and structurally reinforced. Today, the height of the Uzgen Minaret is 27.4 meters.