RABOTI MALIK – A UNIQUE EXAMPLE OF MEDIEVAL CARAVAN SARAJE ARCHITECTURE

Аннотация

This article discusses the architectural structure of Rabati Malik, a legacy from the Middle Ages and one of the unique monuments of the Karakhanid state. The article describes the size and shape of Rabati Malik, types of decoration, historical significance, and functions it performed. Theplace of themonument inCentral Asiais also discussed. Keywords: Great Silk Road, Karakhanids, Eastern Renaissance, Yettisuv, Navoi, King's Castle, Apadana, Firuzabad, Jarkurgan, Leman. Great trade routes have long passed through the lands of Uzbekistan, which played an important role in the development of cultural, economic and political ties connecting the East and West, North and South. In particular, caravanserais built along the Great Silk Road were not only convenient places for merchants, but also high examples of the architecture of that time. One of such unique structures is the Rabati Malik caravanserai. Rabati Malik is one of the oldest and most famous caravanserais in Central Asia, attracting the attention of historians, archaeologists and architects due to its architectural appearance, function as an architectural structure and political and economic significance of its time. This structure was built in the 11th century during the reign of the Karakhanid dynasty and reflects the developed infrastructure of that time. This monument occupies a special place in the cultural heritage of Uzbekistan not only for its architectural beauty, but also for its historical essence. Raboti Malik, with its solid foundation, magnificent gate and elegant brickwork, has preserved the most important features of medieval Eastern architecture. In-depth study of such monuments is an important tool in introducing the younger generation to our national history. Therefore, this article will analyze in detail the historical origin, architectural features and current significance of theRabotiMalik caravanserai. The 9th-12th centuries are one of the highest stages for the countries of the East, and this period is distinguished by unprecedented development in many areas of science, culture and art. This period is called the “Eastern Renaissance” or “Eastern Renaissance” in historiography, especially in science, philosophy, literature, architecture and many other areas. During this period, several dynasties changed in Central Asia. Each of them had a significant impact on the political, social and cultural life of its time. In particular, this process directly affected the ethnic formation, language, religion and culture of the Turkic peoples. During the period of the change of dynasties, a unique political and cultural image of the Turks began to take shape.One of the dynasties that ruled during this period was the Karakhanid dynasty. They entered the political arena in the late 9th and early 10th centuries and established their power in the Transoxiana and Seven Seas regions. The Karakhanids, in addition to being thefirst Turkic dynasty to adopt Islam as an official religion, made a significant contribution to the development of science and culture during their time. The rulers of the dynasty left their mark in history as scholars and patrons of architecture. [1]In particular, significant developments were observed in the field of architecture. Mosques, madrasahs, mausoleums and other public buildings created the first examples of Turkic Islamic architecture. Architectural monuments built during the Karakhanid era became centers of not only religious but also social life. Thus, the 9th–12th centuries occupy an important place in history with their political and cultural diversity, achievements in science and https://ijmri.de/index.php/jmsi volume 4,issue6,2025 220 art. TheKarakhanid dynasty was one ofthe important participants in this revival process, leaving anunforgettable mark onthehistoryof Central Asia. There is information that the Rabati Malik caravanserai was built in the second half of the 11th century, approximately in 1078–1079, by Shams ul-Mulk, a representative of the Karakhanid dynasty. However, some researchers emphasize that the customer and initiator of this architectural structure is not clear. The caravanserai was built of raw brick, and the exterior was finished with baked bricks measuring 24x28x4 cm. To date, only the roof of the structure has been preserved, through which one can get an idea of the general structure of the building. The layout of the building was square, measuring 86x86 meters. The fact that its walls were 12 meters high indicates that it was two-story - that is,with attics[2]. The caravanserai consisted of two main parts. When entering through the main entrance porch, one encounters a courtyard surrounded by rooms on all four sides. This courtyard served as a central open space and provided convenience for the accommodation, recreation, and keeping of pack animals of the caravanserai guests. The Raboti Malik caravanserai is one of the most important examples of large caravanserai of the 11th century