Aisha Bibi Mausoleum is one of the most important historical and architectural monuments of Karakhanid era. Dating back to the XII century, it is located in the Zhambyl region near the city of Taraz.
One of the legends about the mausoleum tells about the sad love story of Karakhan Muhammad and Aisha Bibi, the daughter of the famous scientist and poet Suleiman Bakyrgani. The ruler of Taraz Karakhan wanted to marry her, but her family did not give their consent to this marriage. Then, in despair, Aisha Bibi run to Taraz to meet her groom. On the way on the bank of Asa River, she died from a snakebite, never meeting her beloved. Grieving for the bride, the ruler of Taraz ordered to build a mausoleum of incredible beauty at the place of her death.
The mausoleum has a square structure with massive columns at its corners. In the decoration of the mausoleum, traditional ornaments of ancient Kazakhstan were used found often among the Andronov and Saka tribes. It is the only architectural monument in the country fully covered with carved terracotta tiles.
Only the wall of the western facade and several fragments of other elements of the mausoleum have survived to this day. Therefore, from 2002 to 2005, the restoration of the monument was carried out in order to return its original appearance.
