Mir-Sayid Bakhrom Mausoleum, Islamic mausoleum in Karmana, Uzbekistan.
The Mir-Sayid Bakhrom Mausoleum is an Islamic tomb with a nearly square footprint constructed of precisely laid brickwork. The walls bear Quranic inscriptions in Kufic script, while the inner dome rests on eight-sided arches and five brick columns decorated with checkerboard patterns.
The structure dates to the 10th-11th century and was unearthed in 1942 by archaeologist Antonina Pisarchik. Following its discovery, it underwent several restoration campaigns, with a major renovation completed in 1976.
The mausoleum displays design principles rooted in the Samanid era and reflects the Islamic architectural traditions that flourished across this region. The decorated brickwork and carved religious texts tell of the craftsmanship that defined the period.
The site lies in a modern setting and is accessible to visitors, with decorative stone pillars positioned near the building. It is best to arrive earlier in the day when fewer people are around, allowing you to examine the decorative details without distraction.
The interior construction reveals an unusual solution where an octagonal structure is supported by just five brick columns, creating an unexpected geometric combination. This interplay between the octagonal form and the checkerboard patterns on the pillars makes the building architecturally noteworthy.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
