Utterly unique is the 11^th to 12^th century Aisha-bibi Mausoleum, found in the village of the same name in Zhambyl Province, 17km from Taraz. Every visitor to the region should be compelled to visit this masterpiece of medieval architecture, a ‘holy place’ revered in the Muslim world. Only one original wall from the west facade and small fragments from other parts of the mausoleum were preserved over the many centuries since its construction. The revival of the monument was discussed at length by historians, archaeologists and restoration architects before finally being accomplished at the beginning of the 21^st century. Restoration works were carried out over three years, from 2002 to 2005, by specialists from the Turkestan branch of the state organisation ‘Kazrestoration’. The mausoleum was revealed in all its beauty in the spring of 2005.

Today the mausoleum is square in plan and its corners are decorated with three-quarter colonnades. The outside walls of the mausoleum are entirely covered in carved terracotta tiles with rich and varied geometric and plant patterns in different combinations. The dance of light and shadow across the building in the sunshine imparts a breath-taking delicacy and vividness. Aisha-bibi is the only monument in Kazakhstan and Central Asia to be entirely covered in carved terracotta tiles. More than sixty different types of tiles make up the facade. The Aisha-bibi Mausoleum is therefore a museum in itself, preserving the ornamental treasures of the past Kazakh people.

In the centre of the wall is a niche with a pointed arch. At its sides are half-columns, finished at the top in the shape of a vase. The corner columns gently taper off towards the top, where they are decorated with a band of tiles patterned with plant ornamentation and rounded at the end. At the 18^th row of tiles on the west column (at a height of 3.4m) are bands with inscriptions in Arabic lettering. The words which have been preserved translate as: ‘Autumn...clouds...the earth is wonderful...’. A gravestone has been saved inside the mausoleum. Interesting innovations in the mausoleum’s construction include a crimped arch of double camber and the application of wood at the base of the arch for aseismic, reinforcement purposes. The high level of building work produced by its medieval architects served to ensure the mausoleum’s preservation for many centuries.

As to who was buried there, we can only guess from the legends which remain. One of the best known legends tells of a beautiful girl called Aisha, the daughter of Zengi-baba and Anuar begim, who died from a snake bite whilst travelling to see her beloved Karakhan, the ruler of Taraz and a gallant soldier. According to the legend, Karakhan ordered that a mausoleum be built on the grave of his beloved.