Mausoleum of Chashma-Ayub

The Chashma-Ayub mausoleum or the source of Job is considered one of the most mysterious buildings in Bukhara and confirms that this territory was not only the religion of Islam, but also Christianity.

This is a traditionally revered place, next to it there is a well with a spring that arose by the will of the holy prophet Job - Ayub. According to legend, even before the emergence of the city of Bukhara, the population of these places was dying of thirst. Seeing this, the wandering Job struck the ground with his staff, and at the same moment a well with clean and cool water appeared on this place. Until now, people believe that this water heals. They claim that you need to taste the water and ask for healing, and Saint Job-Ayub will surely heal you.

The mausoleum was erected in the 12th century during the reign of the Karakhanids, but the structure was never completed. Two centuries later, by the decree of Amir Temur, its construction was completed by masters brought from Khorezm.

The building has an unusual appearance and a very complex structure. It has the shape of a prism and stands just above the spring, almost next to the Samanid mausoleum. The structure is decorated with domes of various sizes and shapes. The main room with the spring is covered with a double cone-shaped hipped-roof dome, which especially distinguishes it from other Bukhara buildings. It is these domes that give the mausoleum a special charm.

The building now houses an exhibition of carpets and a water museum. The exhibits of the museum tell the history of water supply in Bukhara and the entire region for many centuries. The most interesting exhibits are ceramic water pipes, which were used for water pipes in the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as copper dishes and leather wineskins for transporting and storing water.