Fragments of silk fabric. Auliekol mausoleum. 14thc.

The new data on burial rites, art and architecture of the medieval nomads of the Priirtyshye were obtained during the surveys on Auliekol necropolisin Pavlodar region. In the elite part of the necropolis the research studies on domed mausoleums with burials of medieval aristocracy are being carried out by the expedition under the leadership of T.N. Smagulov. In 2009 the excavations of a two-chamber mausoleum made of burnt and mudbricks in the size of 19x12 m were completed.The entrance of the mausoleum was oriented to the south side, inside it was divided into two premises. The first room - the ziaratkhanahad an octangular shape and was located in the central part of the structure. The second room–the gurkhana had a square shape and contained 3 burials in wooden burial mounds, placed on the floor of gurkhana (2) and in the underground grave (1). Besides the burials, the credencemade of the skulls of horses was examined, found in the left side of the mausoleum entrance. The walls and dome of the mausoleum were richly decorated with tiles and carved bricks. There are patterns with fragments of Arabic ligatured script, plant and geometric ornaments, the image of fishamong the architectural decor. The burials of the elites took place in brick burial mounds and underground graves, the bodies of the dead were laid out in an elongated position, on the back, the head was oriented to the west. The burial inventory in the mausoleums is represented by beadsof prayer rope, made of stone, wood and ceramics, iron blade andfragments of fabric.The roll of expensive fabric with embroidered gold images of deer, flowers, symbols of faith and a fragment of the golden arabographic inscription, denoting the title of the medieval ruler Murālض al-sālطān - As-sultan al-gādлl (“Sultan of justice”),found in the burial of the mausoleum №1, holds a special place among the artifacts.