Mausoleum of Abdul Aziz Baba

Abdul Aziz baba mausoleum — a architectural monument of the Karakhan period (9th century), the mausoleum is located in the village of Sayram, Turkestan region.

Architectural description

The building is covered with three semi-spherical domes: one in the center and one on each side. The portal edge is closed with an arch. At the corners of the portal there are columns with brackets. The upper part of the portal ends with a cornice. Its walls are made of burnt brick. From the side of the portal on the north façade there is a stairway leading to step 0.820. Opposite the central entrance gate there is a mihrab.

History

In the Sayram district, built in the 9th century, the manuscript book “Risala” of Khoja Akhmet Yassaui, which has reached us in handwritten form, states that Abd ul-Aziz baba was one of the first people who entered the path of Islam initiated by the Prophet Muhammad. The word “baba” added to his name also indicates this. Abd ul-Aziz is named after Ibrahim in Sayram (father of Khoja Akhmet Yassaui) and Arystan baba in Otrar. The dome was restored in the 16th century. There are data that it was rebuilt by the Kazakh khan Nauryzakhmet (Barak). This dome is considered the largest complex in Sayram, built in the medieval architectural tradition. The dome complex, made of four‑corner burnt bricks, consists of three rooms. The entrance portal is squared and framed with an arch, with columns installed on both side lintels. The builders who renovated the complex tried to preserve the original design of the dome.