Mausoleum of Najm al-Din al-Kubra — The Saint of 360 Disciples

About This Destination

The Mausoleum of Najm al-Din al-Kubra, the revered founder of the Kubrawiya Sufi order, is one of the most sacred monuments in Köneürgenç, located within the “360” memorial complex. This site is considered holy ground, attracting pilgrims from all over the world who come to honor the saint’s memory.

History

According to legend, when Khwarezmshah Muhammad II executed one of Sheikh Kubra’s disciples after false accusations, the saint pronounced a curse upon the Khwarezm state. Soon after, his prophecy came true — the mighty empire fell under the Mongol invasion. Refusing to flee, Kubra and his 360 disciples took up arms to defend their city. He was ultimately beheaded by a Mongol warrior, sacrificing his life for his faith and homeland. The cemetery of Köneürgenç, where today stand the mausoleums of Najm al-Din Kubra, Sultan Ali, and Piryar Vali, is believed to be the very battlefield of that tragedy. Nearby lies the grave of Jamildzhan, the saint’s beloved disciple. The mausoleum itself consists of four domed chambers — an entrance hall, two assembly rooms, and the gurkhana (burial chamber), where the saint’s tomb once stood on the very spot where his body fell. A tall obelisk marked the place where his head dropped. Although the structure suffered damage when the main dome collapsed about fifty years ago, it remains one of the most venerated and spiritually powerful sites in Turkmenistan.

Tours Available