The Ismail Samani Mausoleum constructed on the ancient land of beautiful Bukhara at the turn of the 9th-10th centuries has become another jewel decorating the glorious image of the Pearl of the Orient. At that time, the Samanid dynasty flourished on this land, and the ruling emir Ismail Samani laid the foundation stone of this architectural work of art. When constructing the mausoleum for his father, the ruler could not even imagine that it would become a true masterpiece of architecture and the symbol of the Islamic world and also make beautiful Bukhara, the capital of the Samanid state, famous far beyond its borders.
A legend says that many centuries ago there was a temple on the site of this monument, where the Zoroastrians who lived on this land offered their prayers to the God of the Sun. A silent witness to those distant times is the centric dome of the Samanid Mausoleum.
Travelers who come to this place notice some correlation between the geometric shapes of the monument and ancient mythology, Zoroastrian beliefs and Sufism in which the dome symbolized stability since the dawn of time, embodying the dream of architects to capture the beauty and grandeur of the endless heavenly space in stone. Ancient masters manage to convey to us through the centuries the idea of the unity of all nations and religions, of the entire Universe. The cubic walls of the mausoleum, on which the dome lies, speak about this louder than words.
Even Genghis Khan the Conqueror did not have the heart to ruin the walls of the holy place that had become the final resting place not only for the father of the emir ruling those lands but also for Ismail Samani and his descendants. As an ancient legend says, Genghis Khan did not dare to destroy the tomb located in the center of the mazar — so great was his fear of spirits. The other legend says that local residents saved it from destruction having hidden the mausoleum from the Mongol-Tatars under a layer of sand.
Whatever the case, the mausoleum has preserved its grandeur for ten centuries, always charming travelers who come to see beautiful Bukhara. Unfortunately, history is silent on the names of creators of this unique architectural monument, but the result of their work is undeniably amazing. Burnt bricks of 12 types that are placed vertically and horizontally create a unique pattern that in many respects resembles the traditional Bukhara ganch carving.
Local residents also believe in the legends stating that the weaving pattern around the monument is a reminder of the beauty of a charming princess with forty braids who was the daughter of the Margilan Shah having a garden with roses enchanted by the girls…
There is indeed some magic in the ornament of the mausoleum: it changes its shapes depending on the way it is illuminated by the sunshine. Its beauty is a joy to see in the light of the Orb of Night as well.
Canaan Travel is ready to accompany the guests and residents of Uzbekistan who visit this amazing ancient city to feel the beauty and secrets of this attractions. According to the legends, if you walk around it three times, even your innermost wish will come true.