The mausoleum holds a special place not only in the history of Bukhara but also in the architectural and cultural heritage of Central Asia

By Shoxijahon Urunov and Maxamadov Abduhoshim

The Ismoil Somoni (Ismail Samani) Mausoleum is one of the oldest and most famous architectural monuments in Bukhara city of Uzbekistan. This historic structure stands in a cultural and recreational park located in the western part of the city, near Registan Square. According to Narshakhi’s History of Bukhara, this site was once the Navkanda cemetery. Archaeological excavations have revealed that the area surrounding the Ismail Samani Mausoleum contained other tombs belonging to members of the Samanid dynasty and their close associates.

During the medieval period, a canal called Navkanda also existed in this region, which is mentioned in the works of renowned geographers al-Istakhri and Ibn Hawqal. According to Ismail Samani’s waqf document, the lands of Navkanda were located to the east of Bukhara, bordered by the Ju-yi But region in the west, a communal canal to the north, a road to the east, and a route leading to Karakul in the south.

The Ismail Samani Mausoleum is distinguished by its unique architectural design. It has a square layout, with intricately patterned brickwork adorning its exterior. The walls are 1.8 meters thick, and the interior measures 7.2 x 7.2 meters. The dome is supported by four corner pillars, reinforcing the structure’s durability. Along the walls, 40 arched windows allow for light and ventilation, reflecting a complex geometric harmony in the building’s design.

Exterior brickwork with blind arcade – Wikipedia photo

Excavations in 1927 uncovered two wooden sarcophagi inside the mausoleum. The eastern sarcophagus is believed to contain the remains of Ismail Samani. Historical records suggest that the mausoleum was originally built by Ismail Samani over the grave of his father, Amir Ahmad ibn Asad. The structure preserves elements of ancient Sogdian architectural traditions, with its decorative geometric patterns symbolizing deeper meanings.

The architectural composition and symbolic elements of the mausoleum appear to reflect influences from Buddhist and Manichaean religious philosophies. Additionally, the structural design follows a precise geometric order, resembling a cosmogram. The dome of the mausoleum was restored in 1925, and between 1937 and 1939, the site was cleared of accumulated silt and underwent further restoration. During this process, archaeologists conducted an in-depth study of the monument’s intricate architecture and symbolic decorations.

A photograph of the Samanid Mausoleum taken by Paul Nadar in 1890

In 1890, French photographer Paul Nadar (1856–1939) traveled to Central Asia and captured images of historical monuments in Bukhara. This journey was organized by the Russian Empire with the aim of documenting various peoples and architectural landmarks. During his travels, Nadar created one of the oldest known photographs of the Samanid Mausoleum, a picture that remains scientifically and culturally significant to this day. This photograph is considered one of the most important sources reflecting the original state of the Samanid Mausoleum at the end of the 19th century. Through this image, one can clearly observe the brickwork technique, decorative elements, and overall structure of the mausoleum.

The photograph also helps analyze how restoration efforts over the years have altered the mausoleum’s appearance. It has been widely used as a primary visual source in numerous studies, particularly in research focused on architectural and historical monuments. Today, the photograph is preserved in the archives of the National Library of France.

Interestingly, the symbols and ornaments on the walls of the mausoleum incorporate elements of three different religious traditions—Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, and Christianity—demonstrating the Samanid dynasty’s appreciation for interfaith tolerance. The mausoleum holds a special place not only in the history of Bukhara but also in the architectural and cultural heritage of Central Asia.