Khodjamni Kabri

History

The mausoleum known locally as Khodjamni Kabri — 'the tomb of my khoja' — stands over the grave of Khoja Amin. It and the neighbouring Khoja Amin Mosque were built in the 18th century — in the 1720s, according to the sources — when Namangan was growing into one of the major towns of the Fergana Valley. Both buildings are the work of a local architect, usta Muhammad Ibrahim, son of Abdurahim, and both have recently been restored.

Architecture

The mausoleum is a portal-and-dome building open on all four sides. Its great treasure is its fanciful stamped terracotta covered in multicoloured glaze. The technique was common in the 12th century but had all but disappeared from the Fergana Valley, which makes Khodjamni Kabri rare evidence of usta Muhammad Ibrahim reviving an old craft. Intricate floral and geometric patterns were pressed into terracotta panels and finished with coloured glazes.

The neighbouring Khoja Amin Mosque is still in use as the neighbourhood mosque on Kozagarlik Street. The mausoleum is a few minutes' walk from the Mullah Kyrgyz Madrasa.

Did you know?

Kozagarlik Street, where the mosque stands, takes its name from the kozagar, or potters, who once lived here. Namangan was long a town of potters, weavers, coppersmiths and jewellers, so it is no surprise that usta Muhammad Ibrahim turned to terracotta, a craft so close to the potter's wheel.