The architectural complex of Shah Fazil in legends and writings about the period of the Arab conquest of Ferghana

Abstract

The historical and architectural complex of Shah Fazil is one of the holiest places for Muslims and a historical monument, and the relevance of its study is related to its religious, historical and cultural importance. The purpose of the study is to investigate the establishment of the Shah Fazil architectural complex and determine the connection between the legends about the foundation of the Shah Fazil mausoleum during the Arab conquest of Ferghana and real historical facts. The study used general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, comparison, as well as historical-critical, comparative and dialectical methods. As a result, it was established that the Shah Fazil architectural complex is a unique object of cultural heritage. It includes several architectural monuments, the most significant of which is the 11th century mausoleum. Of particular value is the interior of the mausoleum, decorated with carved carvings and religious inscriptions. According to legend, the founder of the complex, the great-grandson of the prophet Muhammed, Shah Fazil, who conquered the Ferghana Valley in the 7th century, is buried in the mausoleum. Here, according to legend, is the burial place of 2,700 Arab soldiers, companions of Shah Jarir, father of Shah Fazil, who died at the hands of local pagans. The soldiers were buried by the maid Safid-Bulan, after whom the village where the complex is located is named. The figures appearing in the legend of the individual are the fruit of folklore, but the story itself has a historical basis and serves as an echo of real events that took place at the beginning of the conquest of the Ferghana Valley by the Arabs. The practical value of the study is determined by the fact that its materials can be used in further research of the historical and architectural complex of Shah Fazil, and is also a source for the use of elements of ancient architecture in the design of modern buildings