THE SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE KHOJA AHMED YASAWI COMPLEX IN TURKESTAN FEATURES

Abstract

The problem of preservation and optimal demonstration of architectural monuments to local residents and tourists is of constant scientific and public interest. An interesting example of such a monument is the mausoleum-khanaka of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi in Turkestan, which remained unfinished. Studies of this building have been conducted for more than one century. However, not all new materials take into account some aspects disclosed in previous years. For example, studies of foundations and walls conducted in the 1950’s suggested that during the main period of construction in the fourteenth century, only the completion of the complex was carried out, and not the construction of a completely new building. However, despite the publications confirming it, including those of the 2010s, the version of new construction on the site of the purposefully completely destroyed original complex is still widespread. Based on the authors' research, which was conducted in late 2022, the assumption of reconstruction and rebuilding of the mausoleum-khanaka complex of the XIV century project was confirmed. An assumption is also made about the shape of the main dome and portal, which remained unfinished. Taking into account the importance of the mausoleum-khanaka of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi for self-determination of the culture of modern Kazakhstan, it seems appropriate to consider the evolution of the complex and the prospects of its development, which is done in the proposed article.