Lesson – Historical monuments in Tashkent. Plan

3.2 Mausoleum of Zangiota

According to the legend, the saint Zanghi-ota spent his whole life as a shepherd grazing public stage. Moreover, it should be noted that this job was considered completely honorable at that time. He has not only successfully multiplied the major asset and the very basis of existence of their fellows – a herd of cows and sheep, but also he was the spiritual shepherd of the human community – to resolve disputes, comforted the heart, instructed in the faith, healed the sick, and even perform miracles.

Anyone familiar with the outstanding monuments of medieval architecture, preserved in Samarkand, Shakhrisabz and Turkestan, visiting the mausoleum Zangi-ota surely recognizes the style of monumental buildings of the epoch of Amir Temur and his dynasty. The high portal, decorated with bright ornaments of glazed tile, and large round dome from a distance cause the familiar association with the world famous tourist attractions of modern Uzbekistan. Indeed, the Zangi-ota mausoleum was built during the life of Amir Temur, although some of the circumstances behind its construction still enveloped in myths. The last building of the memorial complex in the village Zangi-ota – minaret was built in the 20th century.

Not far from the mausoleum in the middle of the current active Muslim cemetery, is another popular place – tomb of the wife of Sheikh Zangi-ota, holy Anbar Bibi.

Generally, from a certain point of view memorial in the village Zangi-ota looks even more exotic than the tombs and madrassah in Samarkand, Khiva and Shakhrisabz. Because, though located near the modern metropolis, but in fact – in the rural hinterland, it lacks flashy gloss inherent in the popular tourist destination.