Karashash-Ana mausoleum

In the heart of Sayram stands the tomb said to be the resting place of Karashash-Ana, the mother of the great scholar and poet Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. Just a five-minute walk down Y. Saremiy Street to the center and then a turn onto Amir Timur Street, you’ll find the mausoleum situated along the right side of the street.

Built in 1852, the current mausoleum replaced the original structure first erected in the 13th century over Karashash-Ana’s grave. Over time, natural forces caused repeated damage to the original building, necessitating multiple reconstructions, culminating in its present 19th-century form. The tomb of Karashash-Ana features the classic architecture of the region, using a distinctive burnt brick—27 x 27 x 5 cm in size—that was widespread in ancient Central Asia and Kazakhstan. Materials like wood, clay, and other natural elements further contribute to its resilience. The mausoleum’s square dome spans 6.3 by 6.3 meters, reaching a height of 7.08 meters, with juniper wood incorporated into the walls to enhance structural support. Doors and rounded niches embellish the south and west sides. Remarkably, the building’s preservation over two centuries reflects the quality of its craftsmanship. Even the intricate wooden carvings have withstood time without decay.

Legend has it that a lock of dark hair once adorned the top of the dome, a nod to the name “Karashash,” meaning “black-haired,” though this detail has been lost over time. In 1996, the dome was covered with white metal sheeting, and the surrounding grounds were meticulously cleaned and landscaped in 1997.

At the mausoleum’s center lies Karashash-Ana’s grave, lined with marble tiles, while the nearby tombs hold her loved ones—Ibrahim Khoja, Suleiman Khoja, Salim Khoja, and Daut Khoja. Karashash-Ana, whose real name was Aisha-Bibi, was the daughter of the respected Sheikh Musa of Sayram. In the 11th century, when Aisha-Bibi lived, the region was flourishing in science, culture, and art. As the mother of the renowned scholar Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, she is remembered as a wise and cultured woman, a paragon of motherhood and an embodiment of kindness.

Legends depict her as a healer and dream interpreter, deeply invested in nurturing not just her own children but all who sought her guidance, especially the ailing and distressed. She possessed deep knowledge of Islam, recited the Quran, and shared her wisdom freely. Known to cure headaches and joint ailments, Khoja Ahmed Yasawi’s mother devoted much of her time to caring for others.

Legends about the wise storyteller Zhienra Sheshen also mention a wife named Karashash—a wise, beautiful, and loyal woman. Karashash-Ana passed away after sending her son to study under the great mystic Arystan Baba, a revered follower of the Prophet Muhammad.