Mausoleum of Ibrahim Ata
Sometime between the 12th and 14th centuries, a mausoleum was constructed enshrining the final resting place of the renowned preacher Ibrahim. Ibrahim is also known as the father of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi, an eminent Turkic poet and Sufi. However, with the passage of time, the original mausoleum succumbed to neglect, leading to its reconstruction in the 17th century. In the 1990s, a restoration effort breathed new life into this historical site. The restoration involved repairing the earthquake-damaged dome, fortifying the foundation, and relocating the road that ran too close to the mausoleum's walls.
The mausoleum's architectural design is typical of medieval Central Asia: a square, single-chamber, domed building constructed with bricks and a composite of clay and cement.
Situated atop a hill, the mausoleum soars to a height of 8 meters (26 ft). A low brick fence surrounds it. The entrance is in the form of an arch, bearing the mausoleum's name alongside an Arabic inscription.
Ibrahim Ata enjoyed profound reverence within his community. He helped the less fortunate, propagating the teachings of Islam, and serving as a spiritual guide and mentor.
How to get there?
The mausoleum is situated within the Muslim cemetery in the Sayram microdistrict, in the eastern part of Shymkent. To reach this location from the heart of Shymkent, follow these directions: Begin your journey on Jeltoksan Street, then make a turn onto Al-Farabi Street, and subsequently onto Ibrahim Ata Street. After passing Nauryz Square, continue for approximately 1 kilometer (0.6 mi), then make a left turn. From this point, the mausoleum is roughly 1.8 kilometers (1 mi) away.
Alternatively, you can opt for bus route #71. Disembark at the "Konechnaya" bus stop, which serves as the terminal stop for the bus. From there, it's a 5-minute stroll to reach the mausoleum.
Other tourist attractions near the mausoleum:
- Mausoleum of Karasash Ana
- Mausoleum of Abdul-Aziz-Baba
- Martobe Hill
- Badam Reservoir
- Minaret of Khyzyr
- Victory Park
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Shymkent, the third-largest city in Kazakhstan, boasts a rich, extensive history. It is one of the oldest cities in the region, having emerged as a vital hub along the Silk Road caravan routes.