Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Bukhara
The elegant Mausoleum of Ismail Samani. Photo by Amauri Aguiar.
View of the mausoleum in Samani Park. Photo by Dede Leoncedis.
Detail of the finely-worked exterior. Photo by Amauri Aguiar.
Mausoleum plaque with World Heritage symbol. Photo © Galen Frysinger.
Interior of the mausoleum. Photo by upyernoz.
The tomb of Ismail Samani. Photo © Galen Frysinger.
The 10th-century Ismail Samani Mausoleum is one of Bukhara's oldest monuments. Built for the founder of the Samanid dynasty, its delicate terracotta brickwork disguises 2m-thick walls that have never needed repair.
History
The Ismail Samani Mausoleum was built in the 10th century to house its the tombs of Ismail Samani, founder of the Samanid Dynasty, as well as his father and grandson.
The walls are so thick and well-built that the mausoleum has never needed significant repair in the 1100 years it has stood here.
What to See
The small mausoleum is considered one of the most elegant monuments in Central Asia. Its delicate terracotta brickwork (which changes in appearance with changing shadows throughout the day) covers walls 2 meters thick.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Ismail Samani Mausoleum; Ismoil Samoniy Mausoleum |
| Type of site: | Islamic mausoleum |
| Dates: | 10th century |
| Materials: | Baked terracotta brick |
| Location: | Samani Park, west Bukhara, Uzbekistan |
| Cost: | $0.30 |
Map
Location map and satellite view of the Ismail Samani Mausoleum. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Bukhara Map or Google Earth download.
Sources
- Lonely Planet Central Asia
- Ismoil Samoniy Mausoleum - Bukhara.net
- 360° Panography of the Ismail Samani Mausoleum - World Heritage Tour
- Historic Centre of Bukhara - UNESCO World Heritage List
