KHODJA ABD-I-DAROUN ARCHITECTURAL COMPLEX
The square courtyard of the Abd-i-Daroun complex is a true haven of peace, ideal for prayer and for the rest of the tourist exhausted by the heat and the kilometres. In the centre of the courtyard, in the shade of a few century-old trees, a pool reflects the mausoleum, the cells of the khanaka welcoming pilgrims, and the iwan of the summer mosque. The mausoleum of the Seljuq Sultan Sanjar was built on the site of the tomb of Abd-al-Mazzeddin, a 9th century theologian. The room of the pyramid-roofed tomb is the oldest part and dates from the 12th century, the prayer room dates from the time of Oulough Begh, early 15th century. The façade is decorated with geometric motifs, mixing bare bricks and blue glazed bricks. The khanaka also dates from the time of Oulough Begh. The summer mosque with its iwan with its ceilings decorated with geometric and floral motifs dates from the end of the 19th century and has once again become a place of worship. Very beautiful and ancient carved marble tombstones are gathered near the wall at the entrance to the cemetery. The Abd-i-Daroun complex is often confused with the Abd-i-Biroun mausoleum located on the outskirts of the city. Daroun means inside - meaning the city walls - and biroun, outside. It is said that Abd-al Mazzedin was a holy man, an ascetic who served as a judge of the inner city. His father, Abd-i-Biroun, who was sitting in the antechamber at the entrance to the room where his son was officiating, was buried outside the city.
