Qosim Sheikh Complex

Who was Qosim Sheikh?

Qosim Sheikh Azizon Karmanagi was a well-known religious and political figure in Central Asia and head of the Yasawi Sufi order. He made his name as a peacemaker during the Shaybanids' struggles for the throne and backed the future ruler Abdullah Khan II against the combined forces of Samarkand, Tashkent and Turkestan. Chronicles say he helped defend Karmana's fortress and saved Abdullah Khan's life by hiding him and his family deep inside the citadel.

The sheikh died sometime between 1578 and 1581 (sources differ) and, as he wished, was buried east of his khanqah. Work on his mausoleum is usually dated from 1571.

The complex

Abdullah Khan II built the khanqah in 1558, and Qosim Sheikh taught here. The square building (25 × 25 m) is roofed with five domes: the central one rises 12 m, the corner ones 8 m. The outer dome stands about 9 m above the building, its upper part clad in turquoise tiles above a band of Qur'anic verses in Kufic script, and air channels between its shells help keep the interior at a moderate temperature.

The complex also includes the tomb of Emir Abdulahad Khan, built in 1911. The monuments were restored in 2000–2001.