Mausoleum of Zhuban

The mausoleum is an amazingly beautiful structure in a typical “Mangystau” style. This is a single–chamber limestone (shell rock) dome structure (5.85x6.75 m), located on a twenty-meter gentle elevation. The entrance opening is oriented to the south. The height of the mausoleum is 9.95 m . Compositionally, the monument consists of two parts – a massive quadrangular cubic base and a crowning drum with a helmet-shaped dome. All four facades are richly decorated with ornamental flat-relief carvings on the upper tier. The remains of five burials have been preserved in the burial chamber, including a tombstone over the grave of Zhuban with kulpytas.

The mausoleum belongs to Zhuban, a famous mullah in this region. According to the few surviving information, Zhuban belonged to the Aday clan and was one of the richest people in the district. The construction of the mausoleum is covered with legends. According to the most stable plots, the mullah, aware of his vulnerability and imminent death, ordered to invite the best master of the region to build the most beautiful and strong mausoleum. Zhuban wanted to remain forever in the memory of people and his tomb would become a kind of symbol of this land.

The Karazhusupov masters were rightfully reputed to be the best in their field and kept their word to Zhuban. There is practically no burial structure in Mangystau equal in grace and durability. There is another version of the legend, where the master is the architect Nugman. We do not know for certain the names of the architects, but it is known for sure that the work at that time was paid very generously: 20 thousand rubles, 10 horses, 122 sheep, a pood of tea and 15 pounds of sugar.

In 1985, the mausoleum of Zhuban was completely restored by Atyrau specialists. The attempt to restore the primary painting of the structure was unsuccessful, since the ancient secrets of the Mangistau masters have already been lost.