Ministry Calls Yassawi Mausoleum Cladding Collapse ‘Planned Dismantling’
Photo: Orda.kz
On May 27, Orda.kz received an alarming photo from Turkestan through its anonymous tip bot. The message said part of the outer cladding of the dome at the Khoja Ahmed Yassawi Mausoleum — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important spiritual, historical, and cultural shrines of the Turkic world — had collapsed.
The Culture Ministry, however, said the missing cladding was not the result of an accident, but part of planned restoration preparations.
The ministry described the procedure as “local mass dismantling of glazed tiles in preparation for scientific restoration work.” The site is now being inspected to assess the condition of other parts of the Kazandyk dome’s cladding ahead of their complete removal.
In recent years, deformation changes have been recorded in some areas of the modern glazed coating of the Kazandyk dome of the Khoja Ahmed Yassawi Mausoleum. This coating was installed during restoration work in 2019–2020. In this regard, RSE Kazrestavratsiya has been carrying out constant monitoring of its technical condition and preparing for scientific restoration work. In May, work began on the phased removal of the weakest sections of the glazed cladding. Experts determined that emergency fragments needed to be fully separated. As a result, on May 27, Kazrestavratsiya specialists carried out a local mass dismantling of glazed tiles,the ministry told Orda.kz.
The ministry added that the work is under the personal supervision of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balaeva.
The situation is being constantly monitored, and all decisions are being implemented exclusively on the basis of expert opinions, scientific approaches, and international standards for the preservation of cultural heritage sites. There is no reason for concern. The work is planned, scientifically substantiated, and aimed at ensuring the preservation of the Khoja Ahmed Yassawi Mausoleum, preventing further damage, and carefully preserving the unique monument for future generations,the ministry said.
Original author: Alexander Smolin
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