Chashma Ayub Mausoleum

"Chashma-Ayub - The Spring of Holy Ayub.

The Mausoleum of Chashma-Ayub is a historic religious site located in the center of Bukhara. It consists of a mausoleum and a sacred spring.

The structure was originally built in the 12th century during the rule of the Karakhanids (also spelled Qarakhanids). In the 14th century, Tamerlane brought master craftsmen from Khorezm to expand and enhance the building.

The mausoleum is named after the Prophet Ayyub—known as Job in the Bible. According to legend, during a period of severe drought, the people of Bukhara prayed to Allah for relief. Their prayers were answered when Prophet Ayyub passed through the area. He struck the ground with his staff, and a spring of clear, healing water emerged. The grateful residents named it Chashma-Ayub, meaning “Spring of Holy Job.” To this day, locals believe the water has curative properties.

The mausoleum, built directly above the spring, features domes of various sizes. The main chamber is topped with a distinctive tent-shaped double dome, a style uncommon in Bukhara. The smaller chambers, with their subdued lighting, add a mystical atmosphere.

Today, the site houses a Water Museum and Carpet Exhibition, showcasing the history of irrigation and water management in the Bukhara region."

Lefteris Stamatelatos

"This mausoleum is situated near Samani Park. According to legend, the water from the well can heal sickness. We tried to turn the tap but there was no water there. It's also a mini museum as well informing us of the history of water supply of Bukhara. Quite near to the market too."

Noorzidah M N

"In the northeast corner of the Samonids Recreation Park is the Chashmai-Ayyub ("Job's Well") Mausoleum. According to legend, the prophet Job (Arabic: Ayyub) visited Bukhara during a time of great drought and wanted to help the local people. He struck the ground with his staff and a spring of cool water immediately sprang up. The clear, pure water is still considered to have healing properties. The Chashmai-Ayyub is also a mausoleum, and is said to house the tomb of Job. However, there are five other sites that claim to have Job's tomb there. There are actually several tombs in the building, the oldest of which is the tomb of theologian Khwaja Hafiz Gunjari from 1022. The mausoleum is a mixture of styles, having been built in three phases. The first phase of construction dates back to the 12th century when the Karakhanid ruler Arslan Khan ordered the construction of the section with the conical dome. In 1380, during the time of Amir Timur (Tamerlane), a first expansion followed and the last construction phase took place in the 16th century, when the Shaybanid Khan Abdullaxon II had the mausoleum thoroughly renovated and expanded. Today, in addition to tombs and the spring, the building very appropriately houses a small water museum. An interesting piece of (Biblical) history."

Koen