Margilan is an age-old city: it was inhabited by wealthy people, the Great Silk Road passed through it. So, impressive buildings, mosques, and mausoleums were built there in diverse centuries. But, unfortunately, due to frequent earthquakes, not all the jewels of far-back art of building, for which the city was famous, have survived to our time.

One of the main architectural treasures that have been preserved in Margilan is a beautiful architectural complex built in the 18th century. It was erected in memory of Pir Siddiq, a great holy man, who miraculously escaped from pagan chasers in a cave.

The most important building of the complex is Pir Siddiq’s mausoleum, erected right over his grave in 1742. This mausoleum is remarkable for the absence of a dome, which is rare for Islamic architecture. It was originally designed with a dome, but frequent earthquakes led to the beginning of its destruction. Thus, it was eventually replaced by a flat roof so that the smithereens wouldn’t damage the tomb.

The decorative elements in the mausoleum are mesmerizing: fine wood carvings, delicate mosaics, calculated shapes and patterns, perfectly complementing each other. Nothing is redundant here, and each element is part of a larger design that creates the whole picture.

You can get into the vault through the portal, a traditional option for decorating an entrance in Islamic culture.

Moreover, there is a mosque, where believers gather for prayer, and festive services are held on special days. And, of course, you can see the traditional tall minaret, from which the muezzin’s voice can be heard everywhere when he is calling the believers for prayer.

The Pir Siddiq Complex is small but precious: within the borders of such a small area, a mausoleum, a minaret, and a mosque are located. They don't interfere but complement each other, creating a feeling of the integrity of the architectural design together with an incredibly cozy atmosphere. A small garden with lush greenery and colorful flowers adds to the total beauty.

Also, it is home to pigeons, which became the main symbol of the place. Now they live in a special columbarium made by locals especially for them.