Medieval mausoleums of Kazakhstan: Genesis, architectural features, major centres

Abstract

This article details the origin and development of one of the core groups of the Central Asian (Kazakhstani) medieval architecture – i.e. domed mausoleums; also it identifies the original traits of the medieval Kazakhstani mausoleums and their major locations centres. As determined by the authors so called “dual code׳ was used as per building of medieval Central Asian mausoleums one of which corresponded to the generalized image of domed tomb as per the new ideology (Islam), and the second one matched the existing local forms and their decorative elements. Subsequently following several major compositional types of the Central Asian (Kazakhstan) mausoleums were formed and later on became standard i. e. - central, frontal, portal-domed ones. They served as the foundation for numerous architectural ‘schools’ in Kazakhstan which developed further specific building structures, their details, elements’ proportions, facades’ divisions, décor, etc. In accordance with this, the genesis and main ways of forming the mausoleums on the territory of Kazakhstan was as follows - from single-chamber (central mausoleums, "facade" and portal ones) compositions up to multi-chamber ones, Also compositional features & specifics of the monuments of the main regional centres were revealed in the article.