Zolotoordynskoe Obozrenie (Mar 2024)
Mausoleums of representatives of the Mamluk Elite connected with the history of the Golden Horde
Abstract
urpose: To introduce into scientific circulation information and photographic records of the mausoleums of representatives of the Mamluk elite who were associated with the history of the Golden Horde. Research materials: Medieval Arabic-language sources, the work of Taqi ad-din al-Makrizi “Kitab al-mawaiz wa-l-itibar fi dhikr al-khitat wa-al-asar” (“Book of teachings and edifications in the story of quarters and monuments”), photographic materials of mausoleums. Results and scientific novelty: This article presents the history of representatives of the Mamluk elite who played a significant role in relations between the Golden Horde and Egypt. This study presents mausoleums that in medieval Arabic writings are presented under the name «qubba» which was characteristic of the Muslim culture of the Middle Ages. The presented mausoleums were built in the 13th–14th centuries. and were intended not only as burial crypts, but also as sites to place kuttabs and public drinking fountains. It has been noted that the burials of the rulers of Egypt were carried out in integral memorial complexes, consisting of a mosque, madrasah, and khanqah. Such Mamluk sultans as al-Mansur Qalawun, an-Nasir Qalawun, Barquq were buried in these. Emirs and nobles built separate funerary complexes for themselves during their lifetimes: for example, the mausoleum of Emir Qusun, the Golden Horde princess Tulbya, etc. Some of the burial complexes are open to the public today while others require serious restoration. It is important to note that the Mamluks used various methods and architectural solutions when creating memorial complexes. The mausoleum remained the most significant element of the architectural ensemble. The mausoleum was either separate or adjacent to the building, but in any case it occupied a large area. The construction of such memorial complexes suggests that the Mamluks, most of whom were Turks, were known as zealous connoisseurs of culture who patronized the development of art and architecture.
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