Two Chagatai Mausoleums in the Trans-Ili Alatau (Based on Archaeological Research)

Research Article

Abstract

The article talks about two medieval mausoleums in Ile Alatau (Trans-Ili Alatau), the images (drawing of one and photograph of the second) of which, dating from the beginning of the 20^th century, were accidentally published in the book. Until now, these mausoleums have not attracted the attention of researchers. The article provides an architectural description of mausoleums, describes their similarity to each other, and provides a comparative analysis with other mausoleums in neighboring regions, such as the mausoleum of Tugluk Timur and Kumbez Manas. It has been established that both mausoleums belong to the same architectural style; the features of their construction are compared with similar monuments of the Golden Horde era. The medieval Chagatai mausoleums of Tekturmas and Dauitbek in the city of Taraz are described. The study of both mausoleums makes a great contribution to the study of the medieval architecture of the region. These mausoleums not only fill in the gaps in the study of the medieval period of the region, but at the same time prove the existence of their own traditions in the Chagatai architectural art. The influence of the Chagatai mausoleums of the region on the Kazakh funerary architecture has also been established. In particular design of local tomb structures was influenced by Chagatai mausoleums, leading to the emergence of portal-dome structures. However, the impact of this phenomenon was not found to be considerable.  The presence of this architectural style was most notable in regions where Chagatai mausoleums were prevalent, while throughout the Ili Alatau, the tradition of constructing multifaceted mausoleums prevailed. The article also discusses the local architectural tradition, typology, and origin of Kazakh tombstones. The grave structures of the Trans–Ili Alatau of the 19th–early 20^th century are very diverse. The most common type is simple – shaped tombstone mounds consisting of rounded stones mixed with clay. One of the most common types of burials on the territory of Zhambyl region is large rectangular family fences. With regard to architectural features, the 19th century witnessed the prevalence of rectangular and hexagonal (on occasion, octagonal or heptagonal) mausoleums characterised by domes within the region. A notable example of this architectural style is the prevalence of dome-on-cube mausoleums in the Zhambyl region, which are characterised by a dome resting on a rectangular base. There are also mausoleums with portals, which are clearly visible in photographs from the beginning of the 20^th century. Polygonal (or polyhedral) mausoleums are the most widespread in Kegen and Rayymbek districts. Rectangular or hexagonal wooden tombstones are also occasionally found. It is known that many burials built of trees burned down during frequent steppe fires, as information has been preserved among the local population. The polygonality of the Kazakh graves of the Trans-Ili Alatau indicates that they originally had a wooden base.