#samanids

Bowl, Samanid period, Iran or Uzbekistan, 10th century

Mausoleum of the Samanids, Bukhara, Uzbekistan early 10th century

One of the earliest extant examples of Islamic Architecture in Uzbekistan, this tomb shows the rise of stylistically consistent mausolea beginning at this time.  One of the most accomplished and well preserved, this tomb was likely constructed for Ismail, a Samanid ruler, thus illustrating dynastic pretensions.  Built on a traditional holy site, the structure may have been built in an effort to lead followers to worship the burial places associated with the descendents of Ali. (A prophet of Islam and cousin? of Mohammad)  Influences to the form of the building (chartaq) perhaps include domical secular buildings and Zorastrian fire temples (these connections are shaky at best).  The most striking feature of the building is the transition from square to dome, the earliest use of squinches in Islamic Architecture.  The dome on squinch form allows light to penetrate the tomb.  The emphasis on exterior decoration departs from customary carved stucco.  Each brick is structural and decorative.  Another peculiarity is the unrelated structural components: the corner pillars, gallery and small corner domes.  The intricate interlace brickwork and innovative engineering feats make this structure particularly influential for the history of Islamic Architecture.

(Three bodies buried here?)

(Canopy tomb, also seen at Najaf + Kerbala)

(Chartaq = 4 portals, one on each side)