Ismail Samani Mausoleum

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.

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.

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.