TEMPLE OF CULTURE
The mausoleum of Karakhan is a monument of medieval architecture. It’s built on the grave of one of the representatives of the Kara-Khanid dynasty. The mausoleum is a beautiful example of medieval architecture in the territory of Kazakhstan. Presumably it was built in the 11th century. The mausoleum is located in the town of Taraz in junction of Tole bi and Baizak batyr streets.According to archeological findings initially 30 types of figurative bricks were used for plastering. The building has got square form and relates to the portal-dome type. There are four rooms in the mausoleum – central hall and three corner rooms. There is staircase to the roof in the fourth corner. The ceiling of the middle room is formed as felted yurt. There are two towers in the rear side. Main entrance is on southern part. Entrance door is covered with patterns. There are two minarets on both sides. Entrance is in arched from. There are square, octagonal and arrow formed holes in its both sides.
The history of the mausoleum’s construction is quite interesting. It is known that it was built in honour of the governor of Taraz from the dynasty of the Kara-Khanids. According to legends, it was the governor who fell in love with Aisha-Bibi and ordered to build a mausoleum after her tragic death.
Even in 1902 judges of Russian architecture were admired with the mausoleum. In 1906 the mausoleum of Karakhan was rebuilt and lost its initial decorative beauty. In 1982 it was included in the list of historical and cultural monuments of Kazakh SSR.