The name of Rukhabad Mausoleum means “House of the Spirit”. The architectural building belongs to early epoch of Amir Temur. It was constructed in 1380 over grave of Sheikh Burhaneddin Sagaradji. The scientist-mystic was known for his holiness and faith.
He spent much time on pilgrimages. But he wanted to be buried in Samarkand. Amir Temur highly respected his mentor and every time when was passing by, he got down from his horse. The mausoleum Rukhabad is also considered as burial place for spouse, children and other relatives of Sheikh.
History and Legends
It is said that Burhaneddin had seven hairs from the beard of the Prophet Muhammad. Copper box was bricked up in a dome with them.
According to legends, Sheikh went to China to preach Islam. Chinese emperor organized a competition between him and royal magician. Chinese magician quickly flied into the sky. Then Burhaneddin prayed, took off his shoe and knocked the sorcerer down. Thousands people gasped in amazement, kiss the ground and assured dervish: "We will believe in your God!"
In the result, he was highly respected in the China and he got married to the Chinese princess.
Architecture
Unlike other buildings at Temur era, the mausoleum has no entrance portal, making its facades interchangeable. It has a box-shaped form with a hemispherical dome, and three entrances: northern, western and southern. Burnt brick was predominantly used in external decor.
Since Burhaneddin Sagaradji was in the order of dervishes, the interior of the tomb is also quite austere. Interior is decorated with alabaster plaster and thin strip tiles of glaze color. The carved door of the XIX century separates the funeral room.
Later, the mosque, decorated in the Chinese style, was constructed near the neighborhood mosque, decorated in Chinese style. In place of dilapidated buildings one-storey madrasah and minaret were built. The hauz (pond) was also dugged.
The mosque and minaret are still preserved.
