Mausoleum of Il-Arslan

Almost every historical tour involves a visit to Turkmenistan of various monuments. One of these is the mausoleum of Il Arslan, is a unique structure in all respects, dating from the second half of the twelfth century. Historians do not get tired of repeating that the famous monument, erected more than seven centuries ago, reached our days only due to a happy occasion.

 

The geometric shape of the mausoleum, which appeared here before the time of capture of these lands by the Mongols, is characterized by simple lines. A geometric cube with the correct prism set, consisting of twelve angles. An identical number of faces has a luxury tent, covering the mosque. The blue tiles have been used as a decorative element for the dome. Today, architects can say with certainty that it is the most ancient form of the tiling in the region of Central Asia.

 

The outer walls of the mausoleum are decorated with the help of various geometric patterns that reflect different aspects of the history of the country. The research helped establish that carved terracotta used here at a very unusual technology:

  • On the ground next to each other laid mud brick;
  • Special tool bricks tightly pressed against each other;
  • On the bricks applied a certain layer of clay;
  • Above the clay cut out the desired pattern;
  • Having completed their stage is cut the resulting pieces on more small parts;
  • Then each of them was placed in a kiln.

 

When facing materials gained sufficient strength, they gently placed on the facade. The use of such an unusual and rare in this area of technology has made ​​this mausoleum object of constant attention not only of scientists minds, but also many tourists who choose the last minute tours.