Maslumhan-Sulu Mausoleum, Karakalpakstan

Among various architectural monuments of Ancient Khorezm, special attention should be paid to Maslumhan-Sulu (Mazlumhan-Sulu) mausoleum. The beginning of construction of this mausoleum dates back to 12th century. The mausoleum attracts travellers from all over the world not only with its unique architecture, but also with an amazing and at the same time tragic legend connected with its construction.

The legend says, that long time ago, the governor of Khoresm ordered the young architect to construct a building which would fully reflect the greatness of the governor after his death. The architect started working assiduously, but once he saw a maiden with whose beauty neither the sun nor the moon could unsurpass. He fell in love with her, but she could not love back because she was the daughter of that governor. When the architect finished the construction of the building, he confessed about his feelings, but the proud beauty severely rejected it by saying that she would fall in love with him if he jumped off. Without any hesitations, the master fulfilled the order of his beloved and died. Only then the maiden understood the strength of his love and committed suicide in despair. So the legend says.

It is considered that the mausoleum received the name after this maiden- Hansulu. And it is her body buried in the necropolis. Originally the mausoleum was an underground necropolis. Other burial places were discovered here later in the underground necropolis. Eventually the mausoleum portal collapsed so the mausoleum has been built up again with a number of new land constructions.
Internal architecture of the mausoleum represents the central hall with several deep and one superficial niches. The western wall of the central premise is connected to a small hall with a large arch decorated with fine patterns. The octahedral dome of a building is covered by an azure paint.

Maslumhan-Sulu mausoleum is not simply a monument of architecture, but also a magnificent example of what a man is ready to do in the name of love…