Abdi-Darun: A Revered 9th-Century Islamic Memorial Complex with 12 Structures in Samarkand

Abdi-Darun, also referred to as Abdu-Darun, is a significant memorial, religious, and spiritual complex located at the Old Cemetery of Samarkand in Uzbekistan. The site developed between the 12th and 20th centuries around the tomb of Abd-al Mazeddin, a renowned Islamic jurist from the 9th century. The complex’s core is a 12th-century mausoleum, later expanded with the construction of a khanaqah, mosque, and madrasah. Over the centuries, the complex underwent substantial renovations in the 15th, 19th, and 20th centuries, which dramatically altered its appearance. Today, Abdi-Darun stands as one of Central Asia’s most venerated Islamic sanctuaries.

History

Abd-al Mazeddin, better known in Maverannahr as Khoja Abdi, was a renowned Islamic jurist and one of the most respected qadis (judges) of Samarkand. Known for his deep understanding of Sharia law, he lived an esteemed life and passed away around 861 CE. Following Islamic traditions, he was buried in the garden of his sprawling estate, located in the southeastern part of Samarkand, near the outer city walls.

The origins of Khoja Abdi remain somewhat uncertain, as sources differ. In his book Samaria, Abu-Tahir-Khoja refers to him as the son of a certain Khoja Muhammad Yakub and the grandson of Khoja Abu ibn Osman. However, another Islamic scholar, Abu Hafs Najmuddin Umar, in his work Kandia, traces his lineage to Caliph Uthman, a companion of Prophet Muhammad. These claims about Khoja Abdi’s ancestral ties to the Prophet likely contributed to his enduring veneration.

In the early 12th century, under the orders of Sultan Sanjar, a small mausoleum was constructed over his grave. The structure was a simple cubic chamber capped with a conical dome resting on an octagonal drum. By this time, additional graves began to appear around the mausoleum, suggesting the site had already become a revered burial ground. The mausoleum’s interior was modest, with nearly all available space occupied by Khoja Abdi’s tombstone.

In the first half of the 15th century, during Ulugh Beg’s rule, the mausoleum underwent significant expansion. A spacious single-room annex with a domed ceiling and portal was added to the original structure. Scholars debate whether this annex was a khanqah (Sufi lodge) or a ziyaratkhana (pilgrim’s chamber). Around the same time, a square pool, or hauz, was excavated in the shade of nearby plane trees, further enhancing the site’s spiritual atmosphere. Additional auxiliary rooms were constructed alongside the mausoleum and khanqah, and a mosque and other structures, now lost to history, were likely built on the site during the same period.

In the early 19th century, a new mosque was built on the western edge of the complex, using the foundations of an older structure. Although this mosque did not survive the extensive reconstructions of the early 20th century, a small minaret and other features from that era remain. In 1905, a small madrasa was built in the northern part of the complex, followed by a larger mosque with an L-shaped iwan (veranda) in 1909. The walls and ceilings of this mosque were decorated with intricate patterns by 20th-century artisans, including Sabir Najjara, Siddik, Abdusakhid, and Abdugani Khassanhan Taylyaki.

By the early 20th century, the hauz was reshaped into an octagonal pool. A series of restoration efforts throughout the 20th century ensured the preservation of the Abdi-Darun complex. Notable restorations included the reconstruction of lost architectural elements, such as the khanqah’s dome, as well as the addition of a wooden-columned terrace on the eastern side. A new minaret was built near the complex, and a modern entrance was established along Sadriddin Ayni Street.

The term “Darun” (meaning “inner” in Tajik) reflects the complex’s location within the city walls, contrasting it with the sacred site known as “Abdi-Birun” (“outer”), which lies beyond the city limits in the southern suburbs of Samarkand.

Architectural Features

The Abdi-Darun ensemble, apart from a few ancillary structures, occupies a total area of 125×70 meters. Its primary architectural components are arranged around a central courtyard measuring 25×25 meters, dominated by an octagonal hauz surrounded by ancient plane trees. Key buildings include the madrasa, guzari mosque, khanqah, and the mausoleum itself.

Mausoleum and Khanqah

The heart of the complex is the mausoleum of Khoja Abdi, a cube-shaped chamber located in the southern section. A conical dome atop an octagonal drum crowns the mausoleum. The interior is starkly minimalist, with plain alabaster walls and ceilings.

The adjoining khanqah features a monumental portal and a striking turquoise-tiled dome supported by a high cylindrical drum. Its facade is adorned with geometric mosaics (girih) and epigraphic ornamentation. Inside, the walls boast a decorative ceramic frieze, including a central mosaic rosette with multiple petals.

Guzari Mosque

The guzari mosque, located on the western side of the courtyard, exemplifies the traditional Samarkand architectural style of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its winter chamber is a square space, while the L-shaped iwan serves as a summer prayer area. The wooden ceiling of the iwan is richly decorated with polychromatic designs, while the walls feature intricate ganj carvings in soft pastel tones.

Madrasa

The madrasa stretches along the northern perimeter of the courtyard, with student chambers (hujras) and auxiliary rooms facing the central square. Its simple yet functional design underscores its role as a center of Islamic education.

Hauz

At the courtyard’s center lies the octagonal hauz, surrounded by shade-giving plane trees. Originally square, the hauz was reshaped during renovations in the 20th century, adding to the harmony of the ensemble.

Cultural Significance

The Abdi-Darun complex is one of the most revered Islamic sites in Central Asia, attracting pilgrims and scholars alike. It serves not only as a spiritual landmark but also as a showcase of the architectural evolution and artistic traditions of Samarkand. From its humble beginnings as a burial site, the complex has grown into a testament to the city’s rich cultural and religious heritage, symbolizing the enduring legacy of Khoja Abdi.

As one of Samarkand’s most cherished landmarks, Abdi-Darun continues to be a site of religious importance and cultural pride. Listed as a heritage site, it symbolizes the enduring legacy of Islamic art, architecture, and spirituality in Central Asia. Its preservation ensures that future generations can experience and learn from this remarkable piece of history.