Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar Photo

Photographer’s Note

This is a close-up shot of the mausoleum seen in the distance in yesterday's post. Sanjar died in 1157, and this tomb is one of the few buildings to survive the Mongol sack in 1221 (though, since it was restored by Turkey in 2004, I can't say what shape it was in before).

The dome was originally covered with turquoise, and was said to be visible a day's ride from Merv, but the stones are long gone. The dome is also double-walled, an almost unique characteristic which, so we were told, was not used again until the XVI century, by Brunolesci.

The restoration was not all that complete; I'm posting an interior shot as a workshop, where you can see both the decorations, and the deterioration.

worldcitizen, trekks, Photo65Net, feather, plimrn has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

trekks (14262) 2008-12-14 21:35

hello Daniel

This is a massive structure and really impressive historical remain in this part of the world. Good shot from this POV to show the height and scale of the building, especially with a tree here although it does block the view of the doorway.

Good choice of vertical format.

tfs, bill

Photo65Net (43084) 2008-12-15 3:56

Hello Daniel,
Nice contrasts here !
I like these sunny tones, beautiful image,
Have a nice day,
JB.

John_F_Kennedy (31167) 2008-12-15 7:24

Very attractive shot. Good working and very good light control.
Best wishes,
Achim

feather (49858) 2008-12-15 8:12

I'm not too sure about this one Dan. Was there a good reason to obscure the door with the tree? Nevertheless it is an interesting post where we can see the intriate detail on the "windows". The interior looks beautiful and worthy of resoration too.
Kath

plimrn (19596) 2008-12-15 11:12

Hi Dan,
I really like that dome against the sky. To me, the tree is a nice additioanl spot of color and an element in the repeating curves of the dome and arches. The inside is amazing!! It is almost impossible to imagine what it looked like covered with turquoise.
HLJ, Pat