
The Tole-biy Mausoleum (or
Kaldyrgach-biy Mausoleum) is one of the most famous landmarks in Uzbekistan.
Particularly revered by Kazakhs, visitors from Kazakhstan are sure to visit
this tomb.
The mausoleum, located on
Sheikhantakhur Hill, is distinguished from all other local buildings by its
acute-angled, 12-sided dome and is one of the oldest surviving structures in
Tashkent. The dome's successful design has allowed it to withstand numerous earthquakes.
The mausoleum is built over the grave
of the legendary Kazakh ruler of Tashkent, Tole-biy. He ruled the Great Horde
in the first half of the 18th century.
According to legend, during the
Dungan (Kalmyk) invasion, the entire local population fled their homes and fled
the invaders, but Tole-biy refused to flee. When the ruler of the invaders
asked him why he hadn't fled with the others, he replied that a swallow had
built a nest under the porch of his house, and he couldn't abandon it to its
death. The invaders were pleased with this answer, and they spared the life of
the ruler and his people. From then on, he was respectfully called
Kaldyrgach-biy, and thus he remained in the people's memory.
Tole-biy was born in 1663 in what is
now the Jambyl region, died in 1756 at the ripe old age of 93, and ruled
Tashkent from 1743 to 1749.
The Kaldyrgach-biy Mausoleum was
reconstructed in 1996, preserving its original layout. The surrounding area has
been landscaped, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors.

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