Samanid Mausoleum - Bukhara

The Samanid mausoleum, also known as the Tomb of Ismail or Ismail Samani Mausoleum, is a mausoleum that was erected in Bukhara, Uzbekistan in the late ninth century to the early tenth century.

The Samanid mausoleum was built by the ruler of the time called Samanid, hence its name, and construction started in 892 AD finishing fifty one year later.

Samanid was one of the last Persian rulers of the area as the Persian Empire started to fall apart, this makes the Samanid mausoleum an Islamic style architecture and a lasting reminder of how Uzbekistan became a mainly Islamic country.

Although it is believed the structure was initially built by Samanid for his father the body of his father is not housed there. There are three bodies within the mausoleum but only one is recognized by a wooden plaque bearing the name of Ismail’s grandson Nasr ibn Ahmad ibn Ismail or as-Said Nasr who died in 943 AD.

The building is built out of an ancient tradition where structures were made of baked brick, hence the colouration of the building.

The design of the mausoleum is that of a cube that tapers slightly to have a bigger base than the top. The top is then adorned with four small domes and one large dome. On all sides of the mausoleum and the dome above there are many intricate patterns showing the artistic detail of those that made it.

Tourism

Although tourism in Uzbekistan is still in its infancy with only around a quarter of a million tourists visiting every year one of the main reasons people visit is for its unique culture and history.

If you are ever to visit Uzbekistan then a visit to Bukhara to see the Samanid mausoleum is a must as it is truly a breathtaking sight that is sure to get your thinking about the past and the world around you.

Book a trip to see the Samanid mausoleum in Uzbekistan today at Expedia | Travelocity | Lastminute | Opodo