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Uzgen

Les noms des biens figurent dans la langue dans laquelle les Etats parties les ont soumis.

Kirghizistan (Asie et pacifique)

Date de soumission : 29/01/2001
Critères: (ii)(iii)(iv)(vi)
Catégorie : Culturel
Soumission préparée par :
Kyrgyz National Commission for UNESCO
Coordonnées
40°45'26" N - 73°19'31" E Osh region (oblast), Uzgen district (rayon)
Ref.: 1514

Description

The Uzgen Archaeological?Architectural Complex comprises three conjoined mausolea referred to as the northern, middle and southern. A hundred metres to the north of the mausolea is a Minaret. The whole group of buildings is located on a mound of a still more ancient shakhristan which slopes down to the banks of the Kara Darya River. The earliest monument in the complex is the Middle Mausoleum, which is dated to the beginning of the 11?century. This is the only extant example of a mausoleum of the Karakhanid period with two portals. This feature can be explained by the fact that Uzgen was entered from the West and the western portal had to be of a kind that would impress those riding into the city, while the southern portal faced the Kara?Darya River and could be seen from a great distance by those on the caravan route along the river bank. The building is unique in Karakhanid architecture. Yet, as a result of the ground slipping slowly down to the river, the plan of the Middle Mausoleum has been distorted: the original square has been turned into 'a rhombus. The structure was unable to withstand the resulting pressure and the dome collapsed together with the top of the wall of the western portal.

In 1151 the Northern Mausoleum was built up against the northern wall of the Middle Mausoleum. The Northern Mausoleum is unique as regards the carefully designed proportions of its various elements and decoration which is perfectly in tune with its architectural forms.

In 1187 the Southern Mausoleum was built on to the Middle Mausoleum from the southern side. The mausolea became three?in?one. All three monuments are made of the bricks typical for the Karakhanid era. The mid?11th century Uzgen Minaret was the forerunner of the minarets of Uzbekistan. The shaft, of conical form on a square podium, is built of terracotta bricks arranged in alternating ornamental bands. Its top is typically crowned with a dome?light with apertures.