Kazakh Prime Minister Visits Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum Restoration Site
Kazakh Prime Minister Emphasizes Importance of Preserving Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum
ASTANA — Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov highlighted the significance of maintaining the historical appearance of the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum in Turkistan during a visit to the region on March 14, as reported by the Prime Minister’s press service.
Bektenov’s visit to the mausoleum aimed to evaluate the progress in fulfilling the President’s directives to protect this unique architectural landmark, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.
The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi is a key element of Turkistan’s architectural and historical complex, attracting over a million visitors annually. Safeguarding its structural integrity is essential to counteract the effects of humidity.
Reconstruction efforts have been ongoing since last August, with the installation of devices to monitor external environmental factors and climate impacts within the mausoleum premises.
Scientific restoration activities are also in progress, underlining the significance of ongoing conservation work for this cultural monument.
“The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi is a valuable heritage of the Kazakh people and global humanity. Our President tasked us with preserving its historical appearance, a task that we must collectively fulfill. Special attention must be paid to the mausoleum’s condition,” stated Bektenov, offering full support for the necessary preservation measures.
Standing at 39 meters tall, the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum is a remarkable Islamic architectural marvel showcasing one of Central Asia’s largest brick domes. Constructed between 1385 and 1405 during the era of Timur (Tamerlane), it now serves as a crucial repository of Kazakhstan’s history, housing over 24,000 medieval artifacts from Timur’s reign, such as bronze candlesticks, gates, and large bowls.
The mausoleum also serves as the final resting place for various Kazakh khans and dignitaries, including Abylai Khan, Abulkhair Khan, Rabiga Sultan-Begim, Zholbarys Khan, Yesim Khan, Ondan Sultan, and Kazybek Bi.
