Mausoleum Rukhabad in Samarkand
Mausoleum Rukhabad
The Mausoleum of Rukhabad is a significant 14th-century religious and architectural monument located in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. It serves as the burial place of the renowned Islamic preacher, theologian, and scholar-mystic Sheikh Burkhaneddin Klych Sagardzhi, whose influence extended far beyond Central Asia, reaching as far as the Mongol Yuan dynasty in China.
Historical Background
The mausoleum was commissioned by Amir Timur (Tamerlane) in 1380, constructed over the grave of Sheikh Burkhaneddin Sagardzhi, who hailed from the town of Sagarj. The sheikh was famed for spreading Islam among the nomadic tribes of East Turkestan. The exact date of his burial remains a subject of debate. Some sources, like Islamic theologian Abu Hafsa Najmetdin Umar in his work "Kandia," suggest the 10th century, while others point to 1287. However, most historians agree on the second half of the 14th century, based on the accounts of Ibn Batutta, who described Sagarji as the leader of the Muslim mission in Beijing during his travels in the 1340s.
Sheikh Burkhaneddin Sagardzhi held significant influence at the Yuan dynasty court in China and was even married to a "Chinese princess." He passed away in China, requesting that his remains be transported to Samarkand for burial.
Religious Significance and Architectural Details
Following its construction, the Rukhabad Mausoleum quickly became one of Samarkand’s most revered religious structures. Timur himself would dismount his horse in respect whenever passing by the mausoleum. Later, south of Rukhabad, Timur's grandson Muhammad-Sultan established a spiritual complex featuring a madrassah and a Sufi khanaka, linked to the mausoleum by the Tsar’s Alley.
According to legend, Sheikh Burkhaneddin possessed a copper box containing seven hairs from the beard of the Prophet Muhammad, which was sealed into the mausoleum's dome during construction. Besides Sheikh Burkhaneddin, his wife, sons, and other relatives were later interred in the mausoleum of Rukhabad.
Developments and Preservation
Over the centuries, the area surrounding the mausoleum underwent various changes. In 1880-1882, a mosque in Chinese architectural style was built near the mausoleum. By the mid-19th century, a one-story madrassah, a minaret, and a pool (khauz) were constructed on the site of older, dilapidated structures. While the mosque and minaret have survived, only the portal entrance with a pointed arch, flanked by guldast turrets, and gate structures remain from the madrassah.
Restoration efforts took place in the 1950s and again in January 2016 to preserve the mausoleum’s structural integrity.
Architectural Characteristics
The architectural style of the Rukhabad Mausoleum is notably atypical for buildings from Timur’s reign. It lacks the prominent entrance portal typical of the era, rendering all its facades equal in importance. The mausoleum features a single-domed, centric composition measuring 14 by 12 meters, with a total height of 24 meters. Its base consists of a cubic structure transitioning into an arched octahedron with windows on its primary axes, all crowned by a spherical conic dome.
The mausoleum offers access through three entrances located on the north, west, and south sides. The building’s exterior is simple and austere, dominated by burnt brick with minimal decoration. Carved terracotta tiles elegantly frame the arched entrances.
Inside, a two-meter ceramic panel runs along the base of the walls, above which slender strips of glazed tile inserts provide subtle ornamentation. The remaining walls, arches, and dome are finished in alabaster, enhancing the mausoleum’s serene and spiritual atmosphere.
Today, the Mausoleum of Rukhabad remains one of Samarkand’s revered religious landmarks, connecting visitors to the city’s rich Islamic heritage and architectural splendor.
Entrance fee: Free of charge