Азиз Гази-Мансура в Бахчисарае

Abstract

On the basis of various groups of sources, the author considers the origins and functioning of a spiritual cult complex formed in the medieval period around the Gazi-Mansur Medini Aziz in the southeastern suburb of Bakhchisarai. The phenomenon of a wide spread of azizes in the territory of the Crimean Peninsula connected, primarily, with a high popularity of various Sufi teachings with the population of the region, is analyzed. The author traces the etymology of the term aziz, in all probability derived from the Arabic word عزیز, aziyzun translated as “friend”, “neighbor”, “om-nipotent”, “precious”. Given the lack of reliable historical facts about Gazi-Mansur, a large number of legends and folk traditions have been studied in order to find information about this semi-legendary personality. The author admits that, a native of Medina, he might have been a companion to the Prophet (Sakhab). It was established that his grave could be only one of the places of appear-ance of the saint (maqam), where one could enter into a spiritual connection with him. If this as-sumption is correct, it is possible that such saints’ maqams may exist anywhere in the Muslim world where he could be popular. On the basis of the late 19th century photographic sources, the architec-tural appearance of the complex, whose centre was a tekieh presumably built in the 15th century, was recreated. The author has reconstructed the chronology of functioning of the spiritual centre that had been almost completely destroyed by the mid 20th century. The current state of the landmark, which is still in a state of neglect, is considered. Emphasis is put on the need for a comprehensive scholarl study of the complex based on fundamental archaeological research.