Hazrati-Bobo complex

Not far from Pendjikent within the boundaries of the Sughd area is the architectural complex Khazrati-Bobo. Therefore, there is another name of the complex - "Chorku Mausoleum".

The complex consists of cult structures and various constructions. Although they were built in different times, they have one similarity: they all face north with their facades. The main attraction of the complex is the mausoleum of a particular holy man whose name varies according to the local residents: “Khast-i-Podsokh”, “Khast-i-Amir”, “Amir Hamza Sokhibkiron” (Sokhibkiron means “a master of lucky combination of stars"). Local legend says that the mausoleum was built in just one night to become the burial place of Saint Khazrati-Bobo, the legendary hero, commander and King Amir Hamza Sohibkiron (Amir Hamza Hasti Podshokh).

The whole complex is considered a unique monument of medieval architecture and consists of two types of constructions. The oldest building (the 10th - the 12th century) is the wooden mausoleum (mazar) with aivan (canopy) resting on the carved columns decorated with Kufic inscriptions and decorative carving. Seven carved wooden columns support this structure. They have a unique shape and stand 2.5 m high. Each column is made from a whole tree trunk and decorated with an ornament. The ornaments of all wooden details vary in character - they are vegetative, geometric, zoomorphic figures and patterns. In addition, these wooden pillars are decorated with unknown species of animals that resemble birds, snakes and fish at the same time. This is probably due to the religious beliefs of the ancient Tajiks in reincarnation.

Mazar has two entrance doors: one is on the north side with calligraphically written verse from the Quran and the date of the repair work - 1321 of Hijri (1903-1904) above it. The door is fitted with a decorative grid behind which the faithful had to observe their rituals. The other door from the southwest was for the sheikh. In the centre of the room is the tomb of the "holy man".

The second type of Hazrati-Bobo structures are of later dates. The room with a four-column aivan (to the left of Mazar) dates from the 18th-19th century. The walls and ceiling are also painted and decorated. This place was apparently intended for pilgrims who could spend a night there. It was also used for some rituals like - khudoi (sacrifice). In the yard of the complex is a wooden minaret in the form of a three-storey tower. A fence with pise walls surrounds the complex of the buildings. According to the oldest local residents, the Mazar yard was used as a cemetery. Nevertheless, in the mid-20th century, almost all tombs were razed to the ground, as some churchgoers who attended the mosque often fell into the pits of the graveyard.