MAUSOLEUM OF KUTAIBA IBN MUSLIM (Preliminary result)

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the history of the Fergana Valley in the Middle Ages. The main issue analyzed is how accurate the information about the burial place of the Arab commander Qutayba ibn Muslim is from a historical point of view. The article pays attention to information found in various sources. For example, according to al-Baladhuri (a 9th-century source), his grave is said to be in China, while al-Tabari (10th century) states that it is in Khorasan. Another source, Narshakhi (12th century), indicates that Qutayba ibn Muslim’s grave is in the Fergana Valley. Archaeologist V.A. Shishkin and ethnographer O.A. Sukhareva report about the grave of Qutayba ibn Muslim in Bukhara. However, Sadriddin Aini disagrees with this opinion, emphasizing that the site in Bukhara is not his tomb but rather a memorial place. According to Jamal al-Qarshi, Qutayba ibn Muslim was buried in the ancient cemetery of the village of Kulij. To clarify this information, an archaeological excavation measuring 9x9 meters was carried out on four sides of Qutayba’s supposed mausoleum. As a result, remains of structures built from baked bricks measuring 25x25x4 cm, 26x26x4 cm, and 27x27x5 cm were discovered. Floral tiles and inscriptions found there indicate that the monumental building was constructed between 1185 and 1193. The building was repaired at least three times between the 10th and 15th centuries. Based on many indicators, it is likely that Qutayba ibn Muslim was indeed buried in this mausoleum.

Keywords

Qutayba ibn Muslim, Qilichmazor, Caliph, Fergana, Chach, Samanids, Karakhanids, Timurids.