Written Monuments of the Post-Golden Horde Period: Arabic Script Epigraphy at the Arystan-Bab Mausoleum

Abstract

The article presents the results of a study of Arabic-script inscriptions discovered at the Arystan-Bab complex. This complex is an architectural site built near the medieval town of Otrar. Arystan-Bab is known among Islamic preachers as an important figure and a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, as well as the first teacher of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. It should be noted that the construction of the Arystan-Bab mausoleum consists of four main stages: (1) the 12^th century; (2) the 14^th century; (3) the 18^th century; and (4) the 20^th century. The aim of the article is to study the epigraphic inscriptions carved on the façade of the mausoleum and found within it. The research materials include data collected by the staff of the Suleimenov Institute of Oriental Studies in the Turkistan region in 2023. The research methods employed in the article include image documentation, inscription deciphering, literal translation, and reconstruction of the semantic phrases carved into the stone. The results of the study involve familiarization with the inscriptions, identification of their nature, and an attempt to characterize the authors of these epigraphic monuments. The conclusions of the research are directed toward the study and introduction of new data obtained from the study of the Arystan-Bab mausoleum inscriptions into the scientific discourse.