ISMAIL SAMANI MAUSOLEUM

The Ismail Samani Mausoleum is one of the oldest and most famous architectural monuments in Bukhara. This historical site is located in a cultural and recreational park near Registan Square in the western part of the city. According to Narshakhi’s History of Bukhara, this area was once the Navkanda cemetery. Archaeological excavations have revealed that other mausoleums of members of the Samanid dynasty and their close associates were also located around the Ismail Samani Mausoleum.During the Middle Ages, there was also an irrigation canal called Navkanda, which was mentioned in the works of famous geographers al-Istakhri and Ibn Hawqal. According to the waqf (endowment) document of Ismail Samani, the Navkanda lands were located to the east of Bukhara, bordering Ju-yi But lands in the west, a shared irrigation canal in the north, a road in the east, and a road leading to Karakul in the south.The Ismail Samani Mausoleum stands out for its unique architecture. It is square in shape and decorated with intricate brick patterns. The mausoleum’s walls are 1.8 meters thick, while its interior measures 7.2 × 7.2 meters. The domed structure is supported by four corner pillars. Along the walls, there are 40 arched openings, which contribute to the building’s complex geometric harmony.In excavations conducted in 1927, two wooden sarcophagi were discovered inside the mausoleum. It is believed that the one in the eastern section might be the tomb of Ismail Samani. Historical sources indicate that the mausoleum was built by Ismail Samani over the grave of his father, Amir Ahmad ibn Asad. The architectural design preserves the traditions of ancient Sogdian construction, with its geometric patterns carrying deep symbolic meanings.The structure and symbolic decorations of the mausoleum appear to reflect influences from Buddhist and Manichaean religious philosophies. At the same time, the design of the Ismail Samani Mausoleum follows a precise geometric order, resembling a cosmogram. The mausoleum’s dome was restored in 1925, and between 1937 and 1939, it was cleared of accumulated soil and further restored. During this process, archaeologists studied the building’s unique architectural features and intricate symbolic decorations in detail.In 1890, French photographer Paul Nadar (1856–1939) traveled to Central Asia and documented historical monuments in Bukhara. This journey was organized by the Russian Empire with the aim of documenting various cultures and architectural landmarks. During his travels, Nadar captured one of the earliest known photographs of the Samanid Mausoleum. This image remains of great scientific and cultural significance today.The photograph provides an accurate representation of the original condition of the Samanid Mausoleum in the late 19th century. It allows scholars to study the brickwork techniques, decorative elements, and overall structure of the monument. Additionally, the image helps researchers analyze how the mausoleum has changed over the years due to restoration efforts. This photograph is often cited as a key visual source in architectural and historical studies of cultural heritage. Today, the image is preserved in the archives of the National Library of France. Interestingly, the symbols and patterns on the mausoleum’s walls incorporate elements from three different religious traditions—Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, and Christianity. This suggests that the Samanids valued interfaith tolerance. The Ismail Samani Mausoleum holds a special place not only in the history of Bukhara but also in the architectural and cultural heritage of Central Asia.

Author: Shoxijahon Urunov

Student of Bukhara State Pedagogical Institute.