Mausoleum of Makhdumi Azam

Within the Gissar historical and cultural reserve, near the Kukhna Madrasah, lies the Makhdumi A’zam Mausoleum. The title «Makhdumi A’zam» translates to «Supreme Lord,» and several mausoleums across Central Asia bear this name. One notable mausoleum is in Samarkand, serving as the resting place of Said Jalal ad-Din Akhmad al-Kasani ad-Dakhbedi, the founder of the Dakhbedia Sufi school within the Naqshbandi tradition.

The exact identity of the person buried here remains uncertain, but it is likely Khoja Muhammad Khayvoki. Although little reliable information exists about him, some sources suggest he was a respected statesman and religious figure. It’s possible that the mausoleum serves as the resting place for one of Makhdumi A’zam’s disciples, or it may simply be a symbolic grave, known as a kadamjay.

Construction of the mausoleum began in the late 15th century and was completed in the early 16th century, covering a total area of 609 square meters. Built traditionally from fired brick, the mausoleum features a modest, square entrance portal leading to a gurkhana and a ziyaratkhana, or prayer hall. Later additions included a domed hall with its own portal entrance. The architecture is quite distinctive, as it lacks decorative elements.