The composition of the Khoja Ahmed Yassawi’s mausoleum-khanaka in Turkestan evolution peculiarity

Abstract

The problem of preservation and optimal demonstration of architectural monuments to local residents and tourists is of constant scientific and public interest. Two concepts coexist in dialectical interaction: conservation to preserve the monument in the form in which it has come down to our times, and restoration of the monument with the restoration of lost details. In each case, one or another decision is made, which finds both supporters and opponents. One aspect of this problem is the attitude towards buildings that have long breaks in their history in carrying out construction work. An interesting example of such a monument is the mausoleum-khanaka of Ahmed Yassawi in Turkestan, which remained unfinished. Given its importance for the self-determination of the culture of modern Kazakhstan, it seems appropriate to consider the issue of the project plan, which remained unrealized, as well as the stages of the construction of the building itself. This is especially interesting in connection with the emphasis on some aspects, some of which, although they were included in public scientific usage in the 1930’s and 1950’s, however, remained without attention and did not correct the modern widespread version of the history of the construction of the mausoleum-khanaka. This applies mainly to the construction stages of the end of the XIV century and the end of the XVI century. In addition, compositional analysis revealed a previously uncensored fact that not only the Main Portal of the building was not completed, but also the Main Dome, which, judging by the results of the analysis, was supposed to be double. These somewhat innovative results allow us to significantly expand the prospects for further research of an outstanding work.