# Bahoutdin Architectural Complex

Bahoutdin Architectural Complex (Uzbek: Bahouddin Naqshband yodgorlik majmuasi) is a complex in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, that includes the tomb of Baha-ud-Din Naqshband Bukhari, the founder of the Naqshbandi order, who died in 1389. The ancient name of the location was Kasri Arifon.

## History

The Bahouddin Naqshband Memorial Complex is located approximately 10 kilometers northeast of Bukhara city and has been developed over many centuries. During the time of the Soviets, it was forbidden to visit the grave here. The complex was initially established after the death of Bahouddin Naqshband and has been a place of pilgrimage for many generations. Bahouddin Naqshband's full name was Bahouddin Muhammad ibn Burhoniddin Muhammad al-Bukhori, and he lived from 1318 to 1389. He was also known by titles such as "Shohi Naqshband" and "Xojayi Buzruk." Bahouddin Naqshband is recognized as the seventh Sufi saint.
The Bahouddin Naqshband Memorial Complex begins with a small domed gatehouse. In 2003, the calligrapher Habibulloh Solih inscribed the 28th verse of the Surah Ar-Ra'd (The Thunder) on the wall near the "Bobi Islom" gate, using an Arabic script known as "Nasta'liq". In the muqarnas section of the gate, the names of the master builders and the year of construction are inscribed. A rubai (quatrain) is written in "Nasta'liq" script on the entrance door of the mausoleum. The tombs within the complex have been arranged according to the command of Abdulaziz Khan and are currently well-preserved. The largest building in the complex, the khanqah (Sufi lodge), was constructed between 1544 and 1545. Inside the cells of the khanqah, you can find poetry inscribed in "Nasta'liq" script. The memorial complex also includes a minaret featuring an inscription in "Nasta'liq" script, indicating that it was built in 1885.

## Site description

The architectural complex consists of several non-simultaneous constructions:
1. The most ancient is the dahma (gravestone) of Shaykh Baha-ud-Din Naqshband, riveted by marble blocks and enclosed above an openwork of marble lattice. The tomb of Shaykh Baha-ud-Din is located on the top platform, with the marble gravestone and stele. A small khauz (basin) is at the north and riveted by the marble as well.
2. The site of the complex is Saho-khona, representing a quadrangular pavilion of the type of rotunda. It is a construction with four arches, flanked on the corners by minaret-shaped turrets, which are capped by small domes.
3. At the complex, there is a mosque called Khakim Kushbegi, with a flat trabeation, supported by two columns and forming six painted plafonds. To the south adjoins iwan with five columns and the same number of painted plafonds. To the north is another iwan, also with five wooden columns, a beam ceiling, and a vassa.
4. The mosque of Muzaffarkhan is also a component of the complex, which has bricked walls. A flat-beam ceiling supported by wooden columns and iwan on the four columns with five various painted plafonds.
5. From the northern part of the mosque, the small minaret is constructed from baked brick with lanterns from eight arched towers.
6. The complex has a small madrasah as well.
7. Abdul-Lazizkhan khanqah is located in the northwest part of the courtyard. The composition of khanqah was constructed in the classical method, using the square plan. The entrance into the complex was from two gates, named Toki-mionka, in the form of a small arched-dome construction, and Khodja Dilyavar gate. In front of the main khanqah facade is located the necropolis of Dahman-Shahon (a cemetery of governors). It represents 6 rectangular platform with a height of up to 2,5 m, with the riveted walls from marble blocks. In addition, there are 2 wells and 2 khauz (basins).

## Restoration

The Bahouddin Naqshband Memorial Complex underwent restoration work in 1993, 2003, and 2010. In 2004, a Sufi museum and a scientific center were established within the complex. In 1993, on the occasion of the 675th anniversary of Bahouddin Naqshband's birth, the memorial complex was renovated. Additional buildings were added to the complex as well. In 2009, a plaque was placed in front of Bahouddin Naqshband's mausoleum.

## World Heritage Status

This site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List on 18/01/08, in the Cultural category.