The Mausoleum of Babaji Khatun

Nestled in the village of Aysha-Bibi, only 18 kilometers from Taraz—one of Kazakhstan’s oldest cities with a history spanning over two millennia—the Mausoleum of Babaji Khatun is a treasure of historic value. As one of the earliest medieval mausoleums in Kazakhstan, its unique, tent-like dome has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list and has been protected by the state since 1982.

The mausoleum’s origins are traced to the 11th or 12th century, although the names of the architects and artisans who crafted it remain unknown. A poignant Kazakh legend links its creation to the story of Aysha-Bibi, a beautiful young woman, and Karakhan Muhammad, the ruler of Taraz. According to this legend, Babaji Khatun was the devoted nursemaid and confidante of Aysha-Bibi.

This legend has inspired countless retellings, but the most well-known version recounts the love between the powerful Karakhan and the radiant Aysha-Bibi, daughter of the renowned 11th-century scholar and poet Hakim Suleiman Bakyrgani. Their love was mutual, but Aysha’s family disapproved of the union. Determined to be together, Karakhan and Aysha eloped, only to be pursued by Aysha’s father’s guards with orders to kill them. The lovers were intercepted by a river, where a snake was hidden in Aysha’s headdress. As she donned it, the snake struck, and she fell unconscious. Heartbroken, Karakhan carried her to the nearest village to find a mullah who could bless their union. Though their marriage was tragically brief, their love story lives on in legend. In Aysha-Bibi’s honor, Karakhan commissioned a mausoleum where she had passed away.

Following Aysha’s death, her loyal companion, Babaji Khatun, remained near her friend’s mausoleum, guarding it for the rest of her days. Upon her passing, Karakhan ordered a mausoleum to be built beside Aysha-Bibi’s, honoring Babaji Khatun’s loyalty and devotion. Today, the mausoleums of Aysha-Bibi, Babaji Khatun, and Karakhan himself in Taraz are revered as both historical landmarks and pilgrimage sites for Muslims.

The architecture of the Babaji Khatun Mausoleum reflects a delicate simplicity, harmonious structure, and restrained ornamentation. Constructed from fired brick without elaborate decorative embellishments, its crowning feature is an exceptional, tent-like dome with 16 facets—a unique design for ancient Central Asian architecture.

The wall surfaces of three façades are identically adorned with blind arched windows and niches that extend to ground level, while the western façade remains smooth and unadorned. The main eastern façade, where the entrance is located, is distinguished by a parapet that bears an inscription. Although weathered, the Arabic inscription on the parapet still reads in part: “…the tomb known as Babaji Khatun… its builder…”. Inside, the mausoleum has been left undecorated, and the original burial marker has unfortunately been lost.

Restoration efforts were undertaken in 1953 and again in 2002, preserving the dignity of this timeless structure.