Khodja Akhmed Yasaui Mausoleum

Turkistan is a sacred place of worship and pilgrimage for Muslims. It is situated 160 km (100 miles) north-west of Chimkent. The site of ancient settlement Turkistan is an important archeological monument of the urban culture of South Kazakhstan. It was the center of the economic and political development, a trade and cultural centre on the junction of vast steppes and ancient agricultural areas, the place of preaching activities of the Turkic Sufi Khodja Akhmed Yasaui. Medieval Turkistan experienced a stormy history with periods of flourishing and decline.

A huge amount of ancient monuments, more than 800, remained there. Turkistan used to be one of the most significant trade and political centers of the whole Central Asian region for many centuries. Until the 18th century, Turkistan, or Yasi, as it used to be called, was the capital of the Kazakh Khanate formed in the 15th century. Many ancient monuments are retained in the city; striking architecture of the city surprisingly passed through a millennium with practically unchanged appearance.

The humanist and preacher Akhmed Yasaui founded a theological school there. When the famous Sufi Khodja Akhmed Yasaui read a sermon in the city Turkistan became quite well known.

Persian master builders set to work, but upon Tamerlane’s death in 1405 the building was halted with the mausoleum unfinished. However, the main arched entrance and two minarets were completed in the 16th century, though they lack the exquisite majolica mosaic tiling that covers the rest of the mausoleum. This does not detract from its overall beauty and grandeur though the 44-metre main dome is Central Asia’s largest (preserved) unsupported brick dome. The mausoleum is a major pilgrimage site within the Islamic world.

This monument is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, mausoleum, consisting of a complex of palaces and temples. Fine furnishings and interior decorations of walls will impress anyone.