Gamal Soronkulov, an activist, noted that the history of this kuboz has not yet been properly researched. There are numerous legends passed down from generation to generation. "Various myths circulate among the local residents related to this kuboz. However, no one has conducted an in-depth study of this historical site. Many know it as the mausoleum of Zulpukor. According to legends, it is here that the sword of Zulpukor, which belonged to Ali, the son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad [Ali ibn Abu Talib — the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet, the fourth righteous caliph, and one of the ten companions], was hidden. After Ali's death, the sword passed to his subordinate known as the 'kol bashchy.' During a battle with the Arabs, the 'kol bashchy' was killed, and he was buried at the site of the present kuboz along with the sword, which is what gave it the name mausoleum of Zulpukor," Soronkulov said.
According to information provided by the Ayil Okmotu of the Aral Ayil District, this kuboz is considered one of the most sacred places in Kyrgyzstan. The mausoleum of Zulpukor is located in the southern part of the village of Aral and has a rich history.
To date, government authorities have not conducted comprehensive historical and archaeological research on this mausoleum. To preserve this historical monument, a resident of the village of Aral, Tashtan Mambetaliev, is gathering information about the kuboz and seeking sponsors for its restoration. In the winter issue of 2021 of the artistic and cultural magazine "Adep," his article was published, in which he emphasizes that with each passing year, this site is losing its historical value.
In 2013, a local resident, Urustom Kabyldbekov, proposed to install a frame canopy to protect the kuboz from precipitation.
In April 2015, at his own expense, Maksat, the younger brother of Sasykbay Azhy, installed a metal canopy, which helped prevent further deterioration of the mausoleum.
The dimensions of the Zulpukor kuboz are 6.75 meters by 6.5 meters on the outside and 4.24 meters by 4.42 meters on the inside. It was built in a square shape from fired brick.
The dome of the kuboz has not survived, and the original patterns of the facade and interior have faded. By stylistic characteristics, this structure can be attributed to the 12th-14th centuries.
There is a story about a moldo who shared knowledge about the kuboz of Zulpukor. He knew Arabic and lived in this village. In his tales, it is mentioned that Ali ibn Abu Talib, the fourth caliph of the Arab caliphate, ruled from 656 to 661. For his merits and numerous feats accomplished in the name of faith, the Prophet Muhammad awarded Ali with his sword, known as Zulfiqar (Zulpukor — a sword with a ribbed handle). During the conquest of Central Asia, this sacred sword became a symbol of faith and was used by standard bearers as a battle banner. However, in one of the battles, the tip of the caliph's sword broke off and disappeared.
Later, a master blacksmith restored the sword, sharpening it on both sides, which gave it a unique shape, allowing it to be wrenched from the hands of the opponent. Having confirmed that this fragment was part of the sword Zulpukor, the master decided to keep it for better times.
After Ali's death, he was revered as the first imam, and he began to be perceived by some followers as a deity. Believers began to include his name in their own (for example, Kurban-Ali), and kubozes were built everywhere in his honor.
The most devoted followers of Ali from the village of Aral decided to erect a kuboz in his memory, in which the fragment of his sword was placed in a place of honor. Later, to prevent theft, the fragment was securely hidden.
Thus, this kuboz became a place of pilgrimage. According to the accounts of pilgrims and folk healers, a shard of the sword of Saint Ali once fell here.
According to legend, Ali exclaimed: "Let children be born to the childless in this place, and let the sick be healed!" The tip of his sword was bifurcated.
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