The alto-relievo Black Chamber occupies the central part dedicated to the architecture and planning in the cities of the Golden Horde. Alto relieve is a sort of sculptured in bold relief. This one depicts a 3D model of the well-preserved monument of ancient architecture in the city of Bulghar.
Black chamber is a unique monument of architecture of the Golden Horde, built of white limestone and light tuff preserved until nowadays. Its purpose has not been identified yet, and archaeologists do not have a common position on that. Probably, it used to be a mosque, a mausoleum, a court, a prison, a dervish lodge. The structure became known under this name since the 18th century.
Judging by its architectural structure, the Black Chamber is a typical example of centric mausoleum with a quadrangular cubic foundation. The foundation merges into a hemispheric dome. The researchers associate it with the mausoleums of the Central Asia, because it was built according to the Central-Asian cannons of building similar structures.
The Black Chamber alto-relievo as created in the form of architectural section. This allows for thorough study of all the specifics of Moslem architecture found in the structures of the Upper Bulgharia. The building is divided into two storeys — the basement and the main storey. Turbeh (the tombs) are located in the basement. This is an evidence of the fact that his structure could be used as a mausoleum. The ground floor also could be used for temporary accommodation of convicts.
The sculptor depicted two human figures on the upper storey. One of them is sitting, the second one is standing. Probably, this is a mentor and a pupil, and then this building could be used a court or a mosque.
Black chamber is a unique monument of architecture of the Golden Horde, built of white limestone and light tuff preserved until nowadays. Its purpose has not been identified yet, and archaeologists do not have a common position on that. Probably, it used to be a mosque, a mausoleum, a court, a prison, a dervish lodge. The structure became known under this name since the 18th century.
Judging by its architectural structure, the Black Chamber is a typical example of centric mausoleum with a quadrangular cubic foundation. The foundation merges into a hemispheric dome. The researchers associate it with the mausoleums of the Central Asia, because it was built according to the Central-Asian cannons of building similar structures.
The Black Chamber alto-relievo as created in the form of architectural section. This allows for thorough study of all the specifics of Moslem architecture found in the structures of the Upper Bulgharia. The building is divided into two storeys — the basement and the main storey. Turbeh (the tombs) are located in the basement. This is an evidence of the fact that his structure could be used as a mausoleum. The ground floor also could be used for temporary accommodation of convicts.
The sculptor depicted two human figures on the upper storey. One of them is sitting, the second one is standing. Probably, this is a mentor and a pupil, and then this building could be used a court or a mosque.
The doomed hall had the light coming through the windows, and there were no sources of light in the basement.
The building was connected with the water supply system and heating system. The alto-relievo demonstrates the use of the dome cladding, the decoration of the dome junctures and the wall corners decorative ‘cells’ (muqarna). The ornamented tiles were made using the glazed ceramics technique.
The Black Chamber is one of the best-preserved buildings of the Golden Horde period in the city of Bulghar.
The building was connected with the water supply system and heating system. The alto-relievo demonstrates the use of the dome cladding, the decoration of the dome junctures and the wall corners decorative ‘cells’ (muqarna). The ornamented tiles were made using the glazed ceramics technique.
The Black Chamber is one of the best-preserved buildings of the Golden Horde period in the city of Bulghar.
According to one legend, a disastrous fire took over the building during the enemies’ invasion. Then a bold girl (maybe, a Bulgharian princess) sacrificed her life to save her family.
This legend is believed to be based on real facts. The building suffered from fire in 1361 during the attack of the Golden Horde Emir Bulat Timur. Kh. Kh. Minnigaleyev was the artist to create this alto-relievo in в 2013.
This legend is believed to be based on real facts. The building suffered from fire in 1361 during the attack of the Golden Horde Emir Bulat Timur. Kh. Kh. Minnigaleyev was the artist to create this alto-relievo in в 2013.
The plates coming from the digging close to the Black Chamber are exhibited beside it. Presumably, such glazed plates were decorating the external walls of the building. The Black Chamber had various additions and was the centre of the entire architectural complex.
