Abu-Said Mitkhene Mausoleum

Nestled in the village of Miana, near Ashgabat, stands the Mausoleum of Abu Said Mitkhene, also known locally as Miana-Baba. This mausoleum is celebrated as one of Turkmenistan’s architectural marvels from the medieval period, and it holds a prominent place among the region’s historical treasures.

Abu Said ibn Abulkhayr (968-1049) was a distinguished figure of the Seljuk era, renowned for his profound contributions to Sufism and religious scholarship. Educated rigorously in theology from a young age, he devoted his life to spiritual and intellectual pursuits. As a leading Sufi, Abu Said Mitkhene was revered by many of the Seljuk rulers, who sought his counsel and blessings. He began his religious journey in Gazna, the capital of the Ghaznavid Empire, continued his studies in Merv, and eventually settled in Mekhna, where he passed away in 1049.

His influence extended significantly into the realm of Seljuk politics. Historical accounts note that after the pivotal Battle of Dandanakan in 1040, which secured Khorasan for the Seljuks, Abu Said ibn Abulkhayr proclaimed Togrul-bek and his brother Chagry-bek as the rulers of Khorasan right on the battlefield, thereby shaping the region’s political landscape.