THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE LOST MAUSOLEUM OF NUR AL-DIN BASIR IN SAMARKAND: HISTORY OF ITS CONSTRUCTION AND DESTRUCTION, DIGITAL RECONSTRUCTION OF THE MONUMENT
Abstract
The architectural and electronic reconstruction of the mausoleum of Sheikh Nur al-Din Basir (d.1249) destroyed in the late nineteenth century in Samarkand and an important Temurid monument is included in this essay. The study is interdisciplinary following the integration of the archival research, architectural drawing, cartography, and up-to-date geodetic research as the scientific basis of a 3D reconstruction of the mausoleum and its historical landscape. In addition to the reconstruction of the architectural image of the monument, the study showcases how it would fit in the urban fabric of Temurid Samarkand and how it would be incorporated in the fortified citadel of Amir Temur. The reconstruction has also shown the relevance of digital technologies in conservation of heritage, history of urban planning and marketing cultural tourism. Connecting the studies of architectural heritage to the modern techniques of planning and built environment, this paper will give a new understanding of how digital reconstructions may be used as the means of both academic study and sustainable management of cultural heritage.