Built during the 17th century, Complex Khoja Abdi Birun is known as one of the largest medieval memorials (hazir) in the territory of Central Asia. This mausoleum is one of the most important Samarkand Attractions, as it is related to Prophet Muhammad. As this mausoleum is located outside the city walls of Samarkand, it is named as Khoja Abdi Birun, which means external or outside.
Complex Khoja Abdi Birun In Samarkand is located in the south-east of Samarkand in Akmechet village. Located outskirts of Samarkand walls, the Complex Khoja Abdi Birun has khanaqa and burial yard.
Complex Khoja Abdi Birun was built in 17th century by the famous dignitary Nadir Divan-Begi. He was one of the first preachers of Islam in Samarkand.
Mausoleum of Khoja Abdi Birun or Khoja Abdi Darun Shrine referred to one person and he was the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. Abdi Birun Ensemble formed the buried place of Khoja Abdi after his death. Birun means the name of place of his burial and darun means internal whereas, Abd-is Darun was buried opposite to the mausoleum.
During the Mongol invasion in 1220, the cemetery of Abdi Birun was completely destroyed. In 1963, a burial yard are reconstructed by the brick walls to cover the ground crypt made with marble, also known as, dakhma or ground tomb.
Known as one of major Samarkand Attractions, this mausoleum has two unique and most visited place. The Khanaqa of Complex Khoja Abdi Birun is decorated with mosaic made up of bricks having blue ornament and rounded dome. The entrance to the buried place made in the form of the portal, known as darvazahona. The buried palce is a massive rectangular stilobat, reverted with marble on which it is put, is known as Sagan. The centre is decorated with majolica surrounded by the brick wall of the mosque Mikhrab.
The main hall is blocked by a spherical dome which is like a bass cylindrical drum. This drum of the dome is decorated by an epigraphic ornament and known as girikhy.
On Uzbekistan Tours, the Khanaqa is one of the most important hotspot in Complex Khoja Abdi Birun. As the Khanaqa is the living place of dervishes, it is known as Sufi monastery.
The buried place of khoja Abdi Birun is a marble made ground tomb is the main centre of this mausoleum.
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There is nothing as per law in Uzbek that a woman must wear, so you can bring your clothes that you love to wear. However, the country has its own culture and we believe you won’t like to offend it. So, we recommend packing some light shirts, t-shirts, jeans and long-sleeved dresses covering knees. You need to wear a scarf or something that covers your head while entering a mosque. You can pack some swim-dress to wear near your pool at your hotel.
Well, it’s really up to you. Bring as much as you want to spend in Uzbekistan. The country is not much expensive but most for paying most of the things you will need cash. Cards are not much accepted here. You can exchange your money at the airport or in any hotel or banks of Uzbekistan (both in private & govt. bank). Keep in mind that you need to pay tips in restaurants and to porters (not mandatory, but expected as it’s almost a custom to tip).
No, drinking tap water isn’t considered safe in Uzbekistan. We highly recommend using bottled water while you are in Uzbekistan. Also, make sure to eat clean and well-cooked food. If you are visiting Uzbek inn hot time make sure to keep big water bottles as you will feel thirsty due to the hot climate especially in the day time.
Well, the answer is No. Uzbekistan is not only a magical country with a rich history and spectacular natural beauty but also a very friendly country to visit. If you are afraid of if it is safe, then let us tell you even the country is safe for solo woman travelers. Uzbek people are warm and friendly. They will easily welcome you as their guest. Choose a reliable tour operator and explore the best of the country without any fear.
Of course, you can avail alcohol in Uzbekistan. It is kind of part of their life. Alcohol is taken by many Uzbek people especially, the Russians. Soviet people introduced Vodka and other alcoholic drinks that are now a part of their life. However, some very strict Muslims don’t prefer drinking. However, it is allowed and legal in the country.
Uzbekistan is famous for its ancient cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz, Termez, and Tashkent that are explained in many historical stories. These places have some stunning old Islamic architecture buildings that make it famous. As well, the natural beauty, mountains, and rich history of the country usually fascinate its travelers.
Uzbek people eat many types of food in their daily life. The dishes of Uzbekistan are delicious. Mostly they eat and drink soups, meat dishes, floury dishes, bread, milk, and oriental sweets. They share their culinary style mostly with Turkic people. Mostly they have a whole meal in one pot. You can try some local cuisine during your visit to Uzbekistan like; Plov, Shashlik, Lagman Soup, Shurpa, Dimlama, Chuchvara, Samsa, and more.
While visiting to Uzbek you are recommended to have the following vaccination-
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid
Rabies
Meningitis
Polio
Measles
Mumps
Rubella
The country is best to visit at any time except the summer season (July & August). During these 2 months, the country is at its highest temperature that goes up to 40-degree Celsius. However, spring and autumn are a great time to visit Uzbek i.e. from April to May and September to early November. During this period the country remains dry with a clear sky and cool temp.
The tropical climate of the country is great for malaria mosquitoes; hence once malaria was the worst health threat in Uzbekistan. To protect people from falling ill in malaria the govt. of Uzbek has taken various steps and in 2010 the country became malaria-free. Now it has won the WHO certificate as a malaria-free country. Hence, you can stay stress-free about malaria.
In July 2018, Uzbekistan started an E-visa facility and there are 76 nationalists can apply for a visa online. You can go to the official E-visa site, and apply for your e-visa by filling a form online. The total cost is 20USD. It takes 2 to 3 working days for processing your visa and then you can get a confirmation in your mail. The payment you can do only in the working hours. If you are not from a country where you can go for e-visa, then you can go with the traditional way. You can book it from the embassy.
There are 21 countries that enjoy visa free entry to Uzbekistan. Here is the cost for Uzbekistan-
Cost for 30-days single-entry or multiple-entry visa- US$60 to US$100 for most nationalities
Cost for 30-days single-entry or multiple-entry visa - $160 for US nationalities
Additional entry cost- $10Per entry