Sayf al-Din Boharzi Mausoleum

The mausoleum of Sayf al-Din Boharzi is a preserved part of the architectural complex of the 14th century, built in honor of the revered Sufi sheikh, theologian and poet. All his life he advocated spirituality and preached Islam. He did a lot of useful things for the society in Bukhara and beyond, therefore he was highly respected. After his death, his grave is considered a holy place. An unusual architectural monument was erected on it, which is considered one of the ancient sights of Uzbekistan. Although many guidebooks do not include it in the main route, it is worth a trip here to see the original appearance and learn more historical facts.

The identity of Sayf al-Din Boharzi

The future theologian was born and raised in the Boharz region. Dates of life 1190-1261. He received a religious and legal education, like most literate citizens. After that, he became a Sufi, i.e. he was a follower of Sufism. This is one of the currents of Islam that preaches strong spirituality and asceticism. He made several pilgrimage tours, continued to study and preach Muslim laws.

Later he moved to Khorezm, where he was one of the few disciples of Sheikh Najm al-din Kubra, who founded the Sufi brotherhood. Due to his outstanding abilities, the young Sufi was sent back to his homeland by his teacher in order to instruct the local population. He taught religion at school and was highly respected as a mentor and clergyman. He played a significant role during the Mongol invasion, where he defended the independence of the people. Some of the Mongols converted to Islam and went to him for his blessing.

For 40 years he was the head of the khanaka in Bukhara. This is the monastery where the dervishes lived, which has grown into a small town with its own infrastructure, all the necessary public and religious places. He wrote several classical works in two languages at once: Arabic and Persian. Seven works have survived to this day: "Rubaiyat", "Sharkh", a treatise on mystical love and others. He died here at the age of 71.

History of the complex

After his death, the sheikh was buried in khanaki, where he worked, in the village of Fatkhabad. It was located to the east of the main settlement, and is now part of the city, although it is not located in the central area. In 1261, the body was placed in a tomb, which became the main shrine of the area. Prayers and pilgrimages were constantly held near her. In 1358, the mausoleum of Buyan-Kuli Khan was created nearby in honor of the ruler of Chagatai, who wanted to lie next to Bokharzi. At the end of the 14th century, a new mausoleum was built around the tomb.

The khanaki continued to develop even after the patron left it. Favorable living conditions were created for the poor and the sick. They existed on the funds left by the poet. The first building has not survived to this day, and the second one remains in its place in good condition. The tomb is accessible today for inspection only from the outside. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other houses in this part have not survived to this day.

The architecture of the mausoleum

The building differs from similar buildings in Central Asia. It has not one, but two rooms: zirathana — memorial and gurkhana — funeral. The first one is slightly larger, and the second, smaller one is attached behind it. They are connected by a secret corridor. Both have a rectangular shape with characteristic round domes at the top. The main feature of the object is the lack of colored decor, which did not prevent the architect from creating a beautiful appearance. This is especially evident in the burial room, where the building material itself is carved with patterns. The whole focus is on the interior, which is a richly carved wooden tombstone.

Restoration work in the 1980s gave the building a new lease of life. The entrance group was completed in the form of an arch with pillars on the sides. Without touching the basics, only the surface has been updated. On the sides, you'll notice more arched structures above the mesh openings in the wall through which the light passes. Also, the sun's rays enter through the tops of the domes.