Buhara shrine attracts world's attention
Ismail Samani Mausoleum in Buhara province of Uzbekistan, which is the first shrine was built in Central Asia, has been an architectural Pioneer in respect of the material used in its contruction as well as its construction method
The Mausoleum is a cubic building made of delicate terracotta bricks, covered with a hemispherical dome. The construction and artistic details of the brickwork, are still enormously impressive, and display traditional features dating back to pre-Islamic culture.
It is one of the most world-famous architectural work and has a great artistic value in terms of labor, plans and decorations in its time.
It was built in the 10th century in order to house its the tombs of Ismail Samani, founder of the Samanid Dynasty, as well as his father and grandson.
During the Mongol attacks it had protected from destruction by burying in the sand, after a severe storm in the desert. According to historians, the tomb was preserved for centuries until it was removed from the bottom of the sand.
The small mausoleum is considered one of the most elegant monuments in Central Asia. Its delicate terracotta brickwork (which changes in appearance with changing shadows throughout the day) covers walls 2 meters thick.
The tomb where a large barrel-vault-coffin located inside, was built entirely of brick in a rectangular plan. Capped by a dome built with bricks, a lighting lantern was placed at the apex of the dome.
Four pointed-arch-door is located on all four sides of the tomb. The door in the east side is main entrance of the buildin while three others functioning as windows today.
The walls are so thick and well-built that the mausoleum has never needed significant repair in the 1100 years it has stood here.
Comments you share on our site are a valuable resource for other users. Please be respectful of different opinions and other users. Avoid using rude, aggressive, derogatory, or discriminatory language.