Bayan-Quli Khan Mausoleum was constructed in 1358. He ruled Chagatay ulus in the middle of 14th century. He was a pupil of the famous Central Asian mystic Sayf al-Din Boharzi.
The construction is a striking masterpiece of Central Asian architecture. It was erected before the necropolis of Shahi Zinda in Samarkand.
History
Amir Qazaghan came to power in 1346 and ruled instead of Bayan-Quli Khan, who was on throne thanks to Qazaghan. According to one version, Mongolian khan was killed during popular uprising in Samarkand. The other version says that son of Amir Qazaghan noted a wife of Bayan-Quli Khan and executed him.
His body was buried near the memorial of Sheikh Boharzi. Masters from Bukhara very fast constructed impressive, but still simple mausoleum. Since then, their tombs are close to each other.
Architecture
Bayan-Quli Khan Mausoleum was constructed when the Central Asian culture started to revive after 13th century destruction. It is one of the first samples of two chamber memorial buildings. It includes a room for commemoration - ziarathana and tomb - gurkhana. There is also a secret passageway. However, there is no information why it was constructed.
Main façade is decorated with the portal. It is not jetty, but only elevated above the rest. The ceiling is covered with two small domes. External walls of mausoleum and large ziarathana richly decorated with carved glazed terracotta. However, it already strongly crumbled in many areas. The facing is best preserved in the lining of the dome and the walls of the central hall.
The color of the ensemble is azure, manganese black, white, and, to a lesser extent, blue - typical for the era before Timurids. The patterns are presented with floral ornaments and intricate ligature.
Similar decorations and color finish are often found in architecture of Maverannahr of the end of the 14th century.
