The Mausoleum of Dautbek

The Mausoleum of Dautbek (also known as Shamansur) stands as one of the many historical attractions in Taraz, Kazakhstan’s oldest city. Founded over two millennia ago, Taraz (sometimes referred to as Talas, named after the Talas River) was a pivotal city on the Great Silk Road, renowned as the «City of Merchants» and celebrated as the «Pearl of the Silk Road.» Known for its striking architecture and cultural richness, Taraz was frequently praised by medieval geographers, historians, and travelers.

Taraz’s era of prosperity came to a halt in the 13th century, as wars and invasions devastated the city. In 1220, Genghis Khan’s armies besieged Taraz, reducing it to ruins. For centuries, the city and its heritage lay forgotten, gradually fading into obscurity. Only recently have scientists and archaeologists launched comprehensive efforts to preserve Taraz’s unique ancient monuments, including mosques, mausoleums, and palaces. Archaeological excavations now take place at the site of the ancient settlement, and a museum has opened to showcase the continuously growing collection of artifacts.

The Mausoleum of Dautbek (also known as Dawutbek, Davutbek, and Shamansur) is today part of the «Ancient Taraz Monuments» museum-reserve. Located in the heart of modern Taraz within a well-maintained park, the mausoleum originally stood in what was then the rabad, or trade and craft suburb, of the ancient city. This serene city park now occupies the site of an ancient cemetery.

Constructed in the late 13th century, the mausoleum marks the grave of a Mongol governor, Ulug Bilge Iqbal Khan Dautbek (Shamansur), commander of the Karakhanid army, who was killed in a popular uprising. The history of the mausoleum’s construction and the identities of its architects have been lost to time, but it is believed that the mausoleum was built on the orders of Genghis Khan himself, who was grieved by the loss of his ally.

Just to the west of Dautbek’s mausoleum stands another—the Mausoleum of Karakhan. According to legend, Dautbek was the son-in-law of Shah Mahmud Bugra Karakhan, the leader of the Karakhanid state, explaining why the two tombs are so close. Together, the mausoleums of Dautbek and Karakhan, some of the oldest sacred structures of their kind in Kazakhstan, offer a glimpse into what this area looked like centuries ago when it served as a burial ground on the outskirts of the city.

Dautbek’s mausoleum underwent full restoration in 1982, the same year it was designated a monument of national historical and cultural significance and placed under state protection as part of the «Ancient Taraz Monuments» museum complex. In 2008, the mausoleum gained special distinction as a significant cultural heritage site.

The original mausoleum design consisted of four semi-circular arches supporting a dome. However, in the late 19th century, its appearance was altered when the arched openings were bricked in, and two small towers (decorative minarets) were added to the southern side, now forming a portal.

Today, the mausoleum of Dautbek is a portal-domed structure with a square shape. Its low portal is built close to the domed portion, with arches and walls supporting the squat dome. The doors are adorned with ornamental designs, giving the mausoleum a distinct aesthetic.

Inside, at the center of the space, lies a step-pyramid-style stone tomb. Carved on this tomb in Arabic script is the name of the deceased and the date of his death. The epitaph informs descendants that a Turkic military commander, «master of pen and sword,» «protector of Islam and the faithful,» was laid to rest here, having died on March 31, 1262.