Sheikh Muslihiddin Mausoleum

About this place

The Sheikh Muslihiddin Mausoleum is a large complex in the city of Khujand, with a tomb, a congregational mosque and a minaret. It stands over the grave of Muslihiddin Khujandi, who lived from 1130 to 1222 and was the city's ruler as well as a poet, philosopher, Sufi teacher and theologian. Khujand's people still revere him, and visitors come from across the region. He was first buried at Unji on the edge of Khujand. His followers later moved his remains into the city and raised a simple brick chamber over the grave in the 12th century. The Mongols destroyed that building, and it was rebuilt in the 14th century, while the present structure dates from the 16th. A minaret of over 20 metres was added in the 19th century. From the square you see a brown brick building with two ribbed domes of bluish-grey tile, with a turquoise dome and the minaret behind. Pigeons fill the wide square. Above the door are carved wood and a pierced brick window, and inside is a dome patterned with rings of circles and blue lines. A plaque by the door gives the sheikh's name and dates. It lies by Panjshanbe Bazaar and is about 1.5 km from Khujand Fortress in a straight line. This is a place of worship and pilgrimage, so dress modestly, women should cover their heads, and avoid prayer times, above all on Friday. Ask before taking photos inside. Pair it with the bazaar in the morning, when it is at its busiest.