American Photographer Captures Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi in New Book
American Photographer Martin Gray Includes Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi in New Book
Renowned American photographer Martin Gray recently published his latest book “Secret Sacred Sites,” in which he includes the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi in Turkistan as one of the twelve spots to be shared. The Spanish daily newspaper El País reported this exciting news on Jan. 19.
The mausoleum, an “unfinished building” that began construction in 1389, is said to have been initiated under the rule of Tamerlane, as part of the vast Timurid Empire. It was meant to replace a smaller 12th-century mausoleum that honored the famous Turkic poet and Sufi mystic Khoja Ahmed Yasawi.
In 2003, the mausoleum was designated as the first United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site on the Kazakh territory. Gray shared that it is a site that attracts pilgrims from all over Central Asia.
Known for his dedication to visiting sacred sites in 160 countries over the span of 40 years, Gray’s new book is not a conventional travel guide, but rather a tribute to the lesser-known jewels found in various corners of the world. His book is meant to inspire and guide those seeking out sacred places to visit.
For those interested in exploring these sacred places, Gray advises that they first choose a country and then refer to his book to see if there are any sacred sites to visit there. This approach allows readers to discover and experience these hidden gems for themselves.
Gray’s publication of the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi in his latest book has garnered recognition from various corners of the world and is sure to inspire many to embark on their own spiritual journeys to sacred sites around the globe.
