Makhdumi Azam

Makhdumi Azam wrote extensively in Persian and Tajik, producing over 30 works on subjects such as philosophy, geology, and law. Many of these writings are collected under the title «Majmua al-Rasa’il» («Collection of Treatises»). His extensive contributions to Sufi theory and practice include numerous texts on Islamic jurisprudence, theology, ethics, philosophy, literature, and history. His works are preserved in the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, including a notable manuscript of 668 pages. His worldview aligns closely with pantheism.

As with many Sufis, Makhdumi Azam was reputed for his miracles. One notable miracle involved a large, four-trunked tree, estimated to be around 600 years old, growing despite a large hollow in its roots. According to legend, this tree was transported from Iran through the power of Makhdumi Azam’s will.

During one of his prayers, Makhdumi Azam instructed his disciples not to open their eyes. However, one disciple disobeyed and found himself in a grim Iranian prison. The guards, believing him to be possessed, brought him before the Iranian shah. The disciple’s attempts to explain his situation amused the shah, who then ordered the «liar» to be tied to a tree. The next morning, neither the disciple nor the tree could be found—only a hole remained.

The Iranian shah, deeply affected by the incident, reportedly wished to be buried at the feet of Hazrat Makhdumi Azam. His grave is said to be shown to visitors, and the Iranian mulberry tree continues to grow, fascinating observers with its unusual shape and size.

In 1618, by the order of the then-ruler of Samarkand, Yalangtush Bahadur, a mausoleum (dakhma) and mosque were constructed on the site of Makhdumi Azam’s burial. Notably, Yalangtush Bahadur considered Khwaja Khoshim ibn Muhammad Amin—Makhdumi Azam’s grandson—to be his spiritual guide.

The most monumental structure in the Makhdumi Azam complex is the khanqah, a grand building with twelve domes and six pillars, featuring a deep wooden iwan on the long side of the domed hall. The original layout included a large hall for dhikr (remembrance of God), auxiliary rooms, and a taharat-khana (ritual ablution room).

In the courtyard of the khanqah, a minaret was built, which retained a height of 8 meters until the end of the 19th century. To the east, a smaller structure known as the «small mosque» still stands.

To the north of the khanqah lies the dakhma (sufa), an almost square structure 1.55 meters high, constructed from gray «Samarkand marble.» Its corners are adorned with marble semi-columns engraved with Quranic verses. The sufa features seven stelae and one tombstone with intricate carvings.

At the southern base of the sufa, there are nine tombstones: seven are the graves of Sayyids (descendants of Makhdumi Azam), along with Yalangtush Bahadur and his daughter Iklim.

Local tradition holds it in high regard to be buried near the tomb of a descendant of the Prophet, which attracts many pilgrims. Surrounding the dakhma, there are an additional 46 tombstones, further enhancing the site’s significance as a pilgrimage destination.