Said Alauddin Mausoleum

Of the surviving architectural structures of Khiva most ancient  - mausoleum of Sheikh Sayid Allauddin, referring to the first third of the XIV century. The building of the mausoleum is adjacent to the eastern walls of the Madrasah Matniyaz Divan-begi, and was built in honor of the great Sufi Sheikh Saeed Allauddin, by Amir Kulal - disciple and follower of Sheykh, famous mystic of the Naqshbandi Order.

Originally, the mausoleum consisted of one room with a small portal in the south wall. It was "gurkhana" (tomb) with a dome in the form of a flat triangular sail. Then, in the XVIII century in the west to this was added gurkhana "ziarathana" (place of prayer) with the portal and the entrance, and functioning at present.

The architecture of the mausoleum is quite simple: there is no excess of decorative elements, stepped Tromp, walls and even the dome can not lined, made of brick. However, during excavations in the territory of the mausoleum were discovered elements carved pottery, remaining from the original building.

In 1825, the mausoleum was renovated. Dilapidated portal ziarathany was transposed with the decrease of its pylons, niches in the interior laid, re-paved floor, and everything inside is covered with “ganj” stucco. It is decorated with applied only in ink, drawn calligraphic verses that tell us about the fact that the restoration was done by order of Allakuli Khan (1825-1842). And that the trustee is building Hamid Khoja, son of Khodja Hubbi Culee. For repair and restoration work carried out after the excavations in 1957 were reinforced deformed masonry, landscaped area around the mausoleum, and as far as possible restored to its ancient appearance.

Shrine of the mausoleum - a magnificent majolica headstone - has gained wide popularity. The contrast of the modest decoration of the mausoleum and tombs of high ink is so high that it seems tombstone brought here from somewhere else.

Center of ceramic production at that time was Kunya Urgench - the capital of Khorezm. Hence, techniques and designs of architectural ceramics were exported not only to the cities of Khorezm, but also far beyond it. There is no doubt that the tomb of Sayid Alauddin, similar in general style gravestone Mausoleum Najmiddin Kubro in Urgench, it could be done Kunya Urgench masters.

Tombstone is made up of the pedestal with corner columns supporting the slab with two powerful "sagana" (lancet end of the Muslim tombstones). On the headstone tiles stamped light relief. He painted small flower and vegetable ornaments, goes back to Sogdian and Ancient Khorezm samples. Freshness give a dark blue, light blue and pistachio color. Against the backdrop of colorful ornaments stand out white “sagana” ends with inscriptions, repeating with minor discrepancies chronogram of the date of death Sayid Allauddin - March 18, 1303. The beauty of patterns, composition and tone painting, transparent glaze is introduced, this ceramic decor of the best examples of art majolica XIV century.