Anbar-bibi mausoleum

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Anbar-bibi mausoleum

Located in the village of Zangi-ata, within the Tashkent region, stands a monument steeped in history and reverence: the Anbar-bibi Mausoleum. Dating back to the twilight of the 14th century and the dawn of the 15th, this mausoleum is dedicated to Anbar-bibi, also known as Kambar-ana, the esteemed wife of Zangi-ata. Anbar-bibi, a name that resonates with sanctity, was venerated as the patroness of women and mothers, a beacon of hope and benevolence.

The mausoleum’s location is poignant, resting in the cemetery southwest of the Zangiata mausoleum. It is here that two stepped headstones rise, marking the final resting places of Anbar-bibi and Ulugpashi, enveloped in the tranquility of their eternal abode.

Anbar-bibi mausoleum near Tashkent
Anbar-bibi mausoleum near Tashkent
Anbar-bibi mausoleum near Tashkent
Anbar-bibi mausoleum near Tashkent
Anbar-bibi mausoleum near Tashkent

The Anbar-bibi Mausoleum is an architectural marvel, a single-chambered, portal domical kiosk that resembles a cube with its corners sheared off, giving way to a modest portal that juts forth. The niches, with their flat terminations facing the front, present an unusual form, hinting at a possible alteration in design during the structure’s construction.

Adorning the building is a double sphere conical cupola, elegantly spanning across the arch canvases, with the exterior featuring a cylindrical drum. The arches descend gracefully, creating a low silhouette against the sky. While the original décor has not survived the test of time, historical photographs reveal a once vibrant brick mosaic adorning the drum of the cupola. The walls, constructed from burnt bricks measuring 25/26-5/6 cm, encase a space measuring 9 by 6.4 meters, with a height of 13.5 meters and an inner sanctum of 4.8 by 4.8 meters.

The Anbar-bibi Mausoleum is a site of pilgrimage, where women from across Uzbekistan converge to seek the blessings of the saintly patroness. They come with hopes and prayers for the gift of children, and for the well-being and prosperity of their families, finding solace in the presence of Anbar-bibi’s spirit.

The Anbar-bibi Mausoleum’s architectural distinction and the legends that surround it make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling near Tashkent.