Bukhara - Mausoleum Bayan Quli Khan

The Mausoleum Bayan Quli Khan in Bukhara: A masterpiece of pre-Temurid architecture

The Mausoleum Bayan Quli Khan in Bukhara, which was built around 1358 during the reign of the Temurids, is one of the most remarkable buildings in Central Asia. It was built in the immediate vicinity of the tomb of honour of the famous scholar Sheikh Sayf ad-Din Baharzi and reflects not only the architectural trends of its time, but also the historical interdependencies that shaped the region.

Historical context
Bayan Quli Khan (died 1358) was a Genghisid and disciple of Sheikh Sayf ad-Din Baharzi. In 1346, Amir Kazagan took power in the western part of the Mongolian Ulus Chagatai, which also included Bukhara. Kazagan was not from the Genghisid clan and ruled in the name of Bayan Quli Khan. After Kazagan’s death, power passed to his son Amir Abd-Allah, who had Bayan Quli Khan executed. The latter found his final resting place near the mausoleum of his teacher, whereupon the current mausoleum was built.

Architectural structure and design
The mausoleum consists of two chambers: the Ziyarat-khana (pilgrimage room) and the Gurkhana (burial chamber), which are connected by a narrow corridor. The main façade stands out with its imposing portal, which contrasts sharply with the squat domes of the building. The two chambers are crowned by egg-shaped domes, with the dome of the Ziyarat-khana standing out due to its dominating presence.

Carved moulded terracotta elements dominate the façades and interior of the mausoleum, making the building an outstanding example of pre-Temurid architecture. Particularly noteworthy are the large terracotta panels and the stalactite fillings of the sails, which are of a whole-block character. The elaborate ornamentation includes girih tiles and imitations of masonry tiles, with the finest plant patterns and ornate inscriptions characterising the aesthetic image.

Colour scheme and decoration
The colour palette of the mausoleum is characteristic of the pre-Temurid era and comprises a spectrum of eleven colours, including blue, manganese black and white. A light blue colour dominates, complemented by white accents. The platform on which the mausoleum was built is decorated with a traditional motif: Mud-brick masonry, with blue glazed ‘arches’ on the vertical walls, while the surface of the platform is adorned with parquet flooring in the form of hexagonal fluting in a rectangular frame.

Artistic significance and innovation
The greatest artistic value of the mausoleum lies in the delicate cast terracotta elements and miniature tiles that decorate both the interior and exterior of the building. The architectural solution of the mausoleum was extremely innovative for its time and is one of the earliest examples of a two-chamber mausoleum. Particularly noteworthy is the prismatic design of the building, which comprises two main rooms: the light-flooded domed hall of the Ziyarat-khana and the dark burial vault of the Gurkhana, which is surrounded by narrow corridors – an architectural parallel to the temples of Buddhism.

Connection to the mausoleum of Sheikh Sayf ad-Din Baharzi
The neighbouring mausoleum of Sheikh Sayf ad-Din Baharzi, which was built in the second half of the 14th century, complements the ensemble in a unique way. This building also follows the two-chamber principle and impresses with its expressive architectural composition and considerable size. Both buildings are closely interwoven architecturally, and the connection between the two resting places emphasises the spiritual and historical significance of the site.

The three-tiered majolica tombstone that adorns Bayan Quli Khan’s tomb symbolises the reverence paid to the deceased Khan. The ornate design of the side façades with vaults in rectangular frames and the egg-shaped domes also contribute to the monumental appearance of this building.

The mausoleum of Bayan Quli Khan in Bukhara is far more than just a tomb – it is an important testimony to the medieval architecture of Central Asia and reflects the cultural, political and spiritual trends of the time. The masterful execution of the carved moulded terracotta, the artistic ornamentation and the harmonious combination of space and light make this building one of the most outstanding examples of Islamic architecture in the region. As part of the historical ensemble surrounding the mausoleum of Sheikh Sayf ad-Din Baharzi, the mausoleum of Bayan Quli Khan remains a place of remembrance, veneration and architectural admiration.