Tomb of Ahmed Sanjar


The Tomb of Ahmad Sanjar was built in Merv in 1157, following the death of Ahmad Sanjar, sultan of the Great Seljuk Empire. It is reported that his tomb was the site of pilgrimages.

Tomb

The mausoleum stood 27m high and was 17m by 17m wide. The walls were 14m high and had no major decorations. It was formerly one of the grandest Seljuk tombs, with an ambitious gallery and a single dome of blue glazed bricks with the drum being buttressed at four points. Sanjar's mausoleum was part of a larger complex consisting of a mosque and palace, and was centered in a vast courtyard.

Mongol Invasion

In 1221, Mongols led by Tolui attacked Merv, killing 700,000 people and burning the mausoleum.

Present day

A report made in 1879-81 describes the tomb as standing in the center of a chahar bagh, surrounded by small tombs and graves.