Uzbekistan - colour distracts . . The Ismail Samani Mausoleum in Bukhara


The Ismail Samani Mausoleum
 

Yes!! I know you are expecting the wonderful blue tiled buildings. They are stunning. Here is one to keep you going til I post about them, and there will be several posts.

One of the facades of Registan Square

 One of the main reasons we design in black in white is that colour can be distracting. When you remove colour you are able to better able to see any texture. This building is the prefect example. If there were coloured tiles all over it - you wouldn't see all the amazing brick patterns.

One of my favourite buildings in Uzbekistan is in Bukhara. The Ismail Samani Mausoleum. 

This beautiful mausoleum is constructed in baked bricks that are laid in 18 pattern forms. The pattern of three horizontal bricks and three vertical bricks is apparently showing the importance of learning - stacks and stacks of books (I can’t help but see basketweave) It was built in the 10th century CE as the resting place of the powerful and influential Islamic Samanid dynasty that ruled the Samanid dynasty from approximately 900 to 1000.

The main 'book' pattern  
The triangular motif above the door has been interpreted as a simplified version of the Sasanian crown, suggesting a tie to artistic traditions of pre-Islamic Persia
 


The wonderful designs created with one material - a brick measuring 230 x 230 x 30 mm


What is perhaps even more interesting, is the architectural arrangement on the inside. The square room moves towards the circular dome.

The four sides of the room begin to form the circle at the base of the dome.

Amazing brick work - so decorative

A cheeky pigeon resting in the roof

Our wonderful guide Khursid telling fascinating tales of the history of this building

Isn't this building amazing? Built with a brick measuring 230 x 230 x 30 mm. It gives new meaning to 'keeping it simple'.

 

 I will be back in a few days with a different building - or range of textiles . .


 x x x

 

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