The Samanids Mausoleum, among the medieval buildings in Bukhara, holds a special place of interest. This renowned architectural masterpiece was constructed at the end of the ninth century. It was initially built as a family crypt following the death of Ismail Samani’s father. Subsequently, Ismail Samani himself and his grandson Hasr were also interred here. Notably, the construction of crypts was against Islamic law at that time, as Islam prohibited the erection of any post-mortem monuments on the tombs of Muslim believers. However, this prohibition was first broken in the mid-ninth century by a caliph who had a special mausoleum, as-Suli-biya, built for himself. Ismail Samani simply followed this precedent.
The Samanids Mausoleum showcases the brilliance of a simple design. This is evident in its composition and the balanced design of its facades and interiors. The structure consists of a semi-spherical dome resting on a cube. All four facades are identical, each featuring three-quarter domed columns at the corners. The mausoleum also has an upper armature and a central entrance marked by a horizontal dividing line.
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