Historic Sights of Tashkent

Mausoleum of Khoja Abdi Darunee: history, description

The memorial ensemble “Khoja Abdi Darunee” appeared in the XII century near the mausoleum of Khoja Abdi, or Abd-al Mazeddina. According to legend, Sheikh Abdi-Darunee arrived in Samarkand from the Arabian Peninsula in the IX century, and as an expert on the Koran and Shariat, started performing judge functions here. The Supplement "Darunee" means "internal" – his tomb is located inside the city walls of Samarkand.
The mausoleum Abdi-Darunee was constructed in the XII century and in the XV century it was reconstructed. The restoration of the mausoleum had changed the building entirely in comparison with how it looked in the past. Now it is a small square building with a pyramidal dome. The interior of the mausoleum is modest, no paintings in gold and ceramics inside. Almost the whole area is occupied by a large gravestone. In the XV century there was ziarathana (a space for the rite of worship - ziarat) near the mausoleum. At the mausoleum, there is a big pond ("khauz") around which the ancient plane trees grow. As before, pilgrims come to the sheikh’s tomb. People come here to pray, talk about their problems and ask for assistance in their solution
6. Khodja Akhror Vali Ensemble: the grave of Naqshbandiyah Sufi order's leader
The name of Khodja Akhror is inseparably linked with the Uzbekistan history. This famous person, being the leader of the Sufi order Naqshbandiya, had an influence on the development of the political life in the region. He was honored not only by common people but also was considered as the spiritual leader of many rulers of that time. He achieved the abolition of severe taxes in Mawaraunnahr. And once he averted the bloody battle among rulers of Samarkand, Fergana and Tashkent.
The famous poet Djami wrote about him: “He is the Khodja of Khodjas, the person who knows the point of the matter. People prostrated before his holiness, appearance and strength of mind”. Many contemporaries also gave a high praise to him. His motto says that one should use the political power to fulfill his spiritual mission. Later, thanks to Khodja Akhror the Naqshbandia Order developed into three branches: Central-Asian, Western-Turkish and Indian one.
He died in 1490 at the age of 86 and was buried near Samarkand. White grave stone with plenty of epitaphs was set on the grave of the Great Sheikh. Practically at once this place became the sacred cemetery and pilgrimage place of numerous believers.

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