Samanid Mausoleum, Bukhara (must see)
The Samanid Mausoleum is a revered architectural gem located in the historic core of Bukhara. Situated within a park that was once an ancient cemetery, this mausoleum stands as one of the most esteemed examples of Central Asian architecture. It was built in the 9th or 10th century, between 892 and 943, as the final resting place of Ismail Samani, a prominent and influential amir of the Samanid dynasty.
During the 9th and 10th centuries, the Samanids ruled over Bukhara and the surrounding regions as part of the Persian dynasty. While initially serving as governors under the Abbasid Caliphate, the Samanids gradually gained virtual independence from Baghdad. The Samanid Mausoleum stands as a testament to their power and influence during this period.
For many years, the lower part of the mausoleum remained buried beneath two meters of sediment. However, extensive restoration efforts have cleared the foundation of these obstacles, allowing the mausoleum to be observed from all sides, as originally intended by its builders. This restoration work has brought the monument back to its former glory, offering visitors an opportunity to appreciate its architectural splendor.
The construction of the Samanid Mausoleum marked a significant era in the evolution of Central Asian architecture. It signaled a revival of the region's architectural traditions after the Arab conquests. The mausoleum's architects followed the ancient tradition of baked brick construction, but executed it to an exceptionally high standard. The craftsmanship and artistic details of the brickwork are truly remarkable, showcasing traditional features that date back to pre-Islamic times.
The Samanid Mausoleum's influence extends beyond Bukhara. It has served as a source of inspiration for other architectural masterpieces, including the mausoleum of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan, known as Mazar-e-Quaid. The design of Mazar-e-Quaid draws inspiration from the Samanid Mausoleum, highlighting its enduring legacy and architectural significance.
During the 9th and 10th centuries, the Samanids ruled over Bukhara and the surrounding regions as part of the Persian dynasty. While initially serving as governors under the Abbasid Caliphate, the Samanids gradually gained virtual independence from Baghdad. The Samanid Mausoleum stands as a testament to their power and influence during this period.
For many years, the lower part of the mausoleum remained buried beneath two meters of sediment. However, extensive restoration efforts have cleared the foundation of these obstacles, allowing the mausoleum to be observed from all sides, as originally intended by its builders. This restoration work has brought the monument back to its former glory, offering visitors an opportunity to appreciate its architectural splendor.
The construction of the Samanid Mausoleum marked a significant era in the evolution of Central Asian architecture. It signaled a revival of the region's architectural traditions after the Arab conquests. The mausoleum's architects followed the ancient tradition of baked brick construction, but executed it to an exceptionally high standard. The craftsmanship and artistic details of the brickwork are truly remarkable, showcasing traditional features that date back to pre-Islamic times.
The Samanid Mausoleum's influence extends beyond Bukhara. It has served as a source of inspiration for other architectural masterpieces, including the mausoleum of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan, known as Mazar-e-Quaid. The design of Mazar-e-Quaid draws inspiration from the Samanid Mausoleum, highlighting its enduring legacy and architectural significance.
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Samanid Mausoleum on Map
Sight Name: Samanid Mausoleum
Sight Location: Bukhara, Uzbekistan (See walking tours in Bukhara)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bukhara, Uzbekistan (See walking tours in Bukhara)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Create Your Own Walk in Bukhara
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bukhara is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bukhara Introduction Walking Tour
Alexander the Great reportedly stated that "a carpet from Bukhara is worth a kingdom!" One and a half millennia after him, Ibn Battuta, a 14th-century Moroccan traveler, described this splendid city as "a meeting place of the nations and a market of the world."
Centuries on, the pearl of modern-day Uzbekistan, Bukhara, is still very much the place capable of leaving a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Centuries on, the pearl of modern-day Uzbekistan, Bukhara, is still very much the place capable of leaving a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Bukhara Shopping Tour
Bukhara, 鈥渁 jewel of the Silk Road鈥�, has been a commercial city since ancient times. Shopping here can still be a memorable experience for those keen to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Central Asian trade.
Bazaars are the heartbeats of Bukhara. Historically, these domed venues were located at crossroads, to facilitate passing commerce, and dealt in a variety of goods. There,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.6 Km or 0.4 Miles
Bazaars are the heartbeats of Bukhara. Historically, these domed venues were located at crossroads, to facilitate passing commerce, and dealt in a variety of goods. There,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.6 Km or 0.4 Miles