The Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum is located in the historical center of Bukhara, in the Samanid Park. It’s believed to be the burial place of Khoja Hafiz Gunjori, a renowned Islamic theologian who died in 1022. About a century after his death, a mausoleum was built over his grave.

Chashma-Ayub acquired its distinctive appearance over several centuries. In 1379-1380, during the reign of Amir Timur, the mausoleum was rebuilt. The ruler invited the best craftsmen from across the empire to Bukhara, and large-scale construction began in the city. Chashma-Ayub was expanded; new rooms and domes were added to the original structure.

Further reconstruction was done in the 19th and 20th centuries. This resulted in the mausoleum’s somewhat eclectic architecture. Unlike many Bukhara mausoleums, which are crowned by a single dome, Chashma-Ayub consists of several rooms covered by domes of different shapes and sizes.

The Legend of Prophet Ayub

The name Chashma-Ayub translates as "Spring of Ayub." The mausoleum is associated with a legend about the Prophet Ayub, known as Job by the Christians.

According to legend, Bukhara once suffered from a severe water shortage. The city's residents turned to Prophet Ayub for help. He struck the ground with his staff, and a spring of water appeared.

Legend has it that the spring is located inside the mausoleum. It survived all reconstructions, and its water has long been considered healing.

Bukhara Water Supply History Museum

Today, the mausoleum houses the Bukhara Water Supply History Museum, which explores how the city’s residents obtained, stored, and used water over the centuries.

It showcases ancient methods of extracting water, traditional water-supply systems, wells, and hauzes (artificial reservoirs that played an important role in Bukhara’s urban life).

Other tourist attractions near the mausoleum:

• Imam Al-Bukhari Memorial Museum
• Samanid Mausoleum
• Bukhara Central Market
• Bolo-Hauz Ensemble
• Ark Fortress