The Fergana Valley is the heart of Uzbekistan. Many renowned people, poets, thinkers, philosophers were born here. It was the place where the famous Kokand khans ruled. These 29 great rulers changed the appearance of the cities and made them wealthy and well-fortified in case of enemy attacks.

At the beginning of the 19th century, the construction of the first special cemetery in Kokand began. It was designated to be a burial place for famous people. The cemetery hosted the family vault of local rulers, Dakhma-i-Shakhon, at its center among tombs and sepulchers of some Kokand khans.

The entire architectural ensemble of Dakhma-i-Shakhon comprises three sections: a mosque for memorial prayers, a domed building, and the cemetery itself. The most notable burial of the complex is the grave of Muhammad Umar Khan, the representative of the Uzbek Ming dynasty. There is a marble slab with beautiful delicate decorative carvings and excerpts from the Koran in Arabic script.

The mausoleum itself looks rather modest and austere. But inside, the luxurious decoration and expensive decor, produced with various techniques and materials, are stunning. Of course, the main decoration is the mosaic in the most diverse shades of blue, the color of the sky, purity, and loyalty.

In the beginning, only respectable people were buried here. But over time, many mazars, that is the local name for the tombs of ordinary citizens, appeared around those beautiful vaults. They gradually transformed into a separate cemetery, not so luxurious, but no less wonderful thanks to its architectural and decorative design.

Even though the complex is relatively small, it is worth having a walk-through. Here you can lose yourself in examining various details of the decoration, admire the tiles and mosaics, and wonder at how subtly colors and materials complement each other.

This sacred place exists to honor a person and remember their merits even after their death by displaying their greatness and significance.