Mausoleum of Karakhan
The Karakhan Mausoleum, situated in the city of Taraz, dates back to the 11th-12th century. It stands as a tribute to Karakhan, the progenitor of the Karakhanid dynasty, the first Turkic tribe to convert to Islam.
In the early 20th century, the original structure faced near-total destruction, prompting a comprehensive reconstruction. Unfortunately, the unique materials of the original construction were lost in the process, with only the tombstone surviving. Reconstruction efforts relied on late 19th-century photographs of the mausoleum.
The current mausoleum boasts a square shape crowned with a dome, adorned with a portal on its facade. Despite its strict, ornament-free architecture, the structure leaves an enduring impression. The interior features a main hall and three cells. The main facade is graced by two semi-columns and an arch, while pointed arches and square niches with doors adorn the side walls. Above the front door, a sign with the Arabic inscription reads, "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet."
Legend intertwines the history of the Karakhan Mausoleum with that of the Aisha Bibi Mausoleum near Taraz. Aisha Bibi, the daughter of a wealthy man, sought to marry Karakhan against her family's wishes. Together with her maid, she escaped to be with her lover. Tragically, Aisha Bibi was bitten by a snake and died. Karakhan mourned and commemorated her by erecting a mausoleum at the site of her grave.
How to get there?
You can reach the mausoleum by buses #9, 10, 14, 16, 19, 27, 28, 43, 46, 47, and 55 that run along the Tole Bi Street. Alight at the "9 October" bus stop, where you'll notice a mosque. To the right of the mosque, there is a pathway with installations that will guide you to the Karakhan Mausoleum.
Other tourist attractions near the mausoleum:
- Mausoleum of Shamansur Dautbek
- Keneskhan-Kazhy Mosque
- Turar Ryskulov Park
- Aulie Ata Mosque
- Ancient Taraz Archaeological Park and Museum
- Center for Historical Studies named after Sherkhan Murtaza
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