Mausoleum of Khodja Daniyar, Samarkand

The mausoleum of Khodja-Daniyar is located on the northern slope of Afrasiab hill, by the healing spring. According to legend, Khodja Daniyar was a companion of Kusam ibn Abbas, who was believed to be a relative of the Prophet and one of the first Islamic preachers in Central Asia. Other legends associate Khodja Daniyar with the Koranic and Biblical prophet Daniyar (Daniel) whose remains were brought here by Amir Timur. A peculiar feature of Khodja Daniyar's legend is that the saint continues to grow in the tomb. To accomodate this, his tomb has been periodically extended. A domed mausoleum above the long gravestone was built at the beginning of the 20^th century.