Mausoleum of Chashma Ayyub

The mausoleum of Chashma Ayub is a religious building in the center of Bukhara, which includes a mausoleum and a sacred spring. It currently houses a water museum. The mausoleum was built by order of the Karakhanid rulers in the 12th century. It was rebuilt several times during the XIV—XIX centuries. Under Timur, the mausoleum was finally completed. The structure is formed by four rooms located on the East-West axis, each room was topped by a dome. The westernmost room was built first as a burial tower, the remaining volumes were added later.

The legend of the prophet Job is connected with this mausoleum. There was a time in Bukhara when desert winds dominated the city and the inhabitants suffered from drought. They prayed to Allah to grant them a miracle and save them from the drought. And the Almighty heeded their pleas. At that time, the prophet Job traveled through Bukhara lands. He struck the ground with his staff and a healing spring appeared, which saved the Bukharians from certain death. Grateful residents named the Chashma Ayub spring – the source of Saint Ayub.