Masterpieces and Mysteries of Ancient Kyrgyz Architecture
Among the outstanding architectural works of Kyrgyzstan from the 11th to 12th centuries is the Burana Tower—an 11th-century minaret. The tower is located in the Chui Valley near the city of Tokmak. Over the centuries, the purpose of the tower has been forgotten by the people. Some believe it was a watchtower, while others adhere to the legend that it is part of a castle where a powerful khan sheltered his beloved daughter.
What does this structure represent? It consists of two parts: a base in the form of a regular octagon with a height of 4 meters and a cylindrical shaft with a height of 18 meters. The surface of the tower is adorned with alternating bands of patterned and smooth brickwork.
Scholars suggest that the tower was built in the center of the city of Balasagun, the capital of the Karahanid state.
Uzgen Mausoleums are the tombs of the rulers of the powerful medieval state of the Karahanids. The Middle, Northern, and Southern mausoleums, built in 1012, 1152, and 1187 respectively, form a unified architectural ensemble. The Uzgen mausoleums are a vivid example of the search for artistic imagery and architectural form that took place in Central Asia during the 10th to 12th centuries. This period also includes the construction of the minaret, which is an integral part of the Uzgen architectural complex and holds great historical and artistic value.
Recently, the restoration of these historical monuments was completed, carried out by specialists from the scientific restoration workshops of the Ministry of Culture. To revive the monuments, a production of burnt bricks and carved terracotta of ancient samples was specially established.
An interesting monument, known to the people as “Gumbez Manasa”, is located 15 km from the city of Talas. According to legends, this is the mausoleum of the hero Manas, celebrated in the eponymous epic. The Gumbez Manasa is a unique structure. It is not large in itself, with an overall height of 11 meters. However, it creates an impression of monumentality due to the carefully thought-out proportions of its three main parts: a massive truncated pyramid, a faceted tent dome, and a portal covered with patterns of carved terracotta.
The architectural style indicates that the mausoleum was erected by masters of the 14th century.
A small structure from the 15th century—Tash-Rabat—is located in the At-Bashinsky district. This unique stone structure is the largest of its kind in Central Asia. Architecturally, it is a rectangle with sides of 35 and 33 meters. The wall thickness reaches 2.5 meters. Scholars suggest that many centuries ago, this was a caravanserai for merchants traveling from Europe to China. The caravanserai was built by the local ruler Muhammad Khan.
The simplicity of the stone masonry, the heaviness of the proportions, and the absence of window openings create a harsh architectural appearance of the building.