A legend states that Emir Timur ordered the construction of a mosque on the site of Khoja Akhmet Yassawi's grave but all attempts were unsuccessful. Timur was then told in a dream that in order to have success he should first build a mausoleum over grave of the mystic Arystan Baba.
The mausoleum dates from the 14th century and is constructed over Arystan Baba's 12th century grave but was reconstructed several times up to the 18th century. In the 18th century the previous mausoleum, which had been destroyed by an earthquake was replaced with a double domed structure supported by two carved wooden columns. Most of the current structure was constructed in the first decade of the 20th century with only the carved wooden pillars remaining from the original building.
The mausoleum features a large central arch and wide front facade with minarets at the ends and two large domes to the left of the main arch. As well as the two-chambered table-tomb (gurkhana) of Arystan Bab and three of his students, Hermet-Azyra, Karga-Baba and Lashyn-Baba, a mosque and auxiliary quarters and museum are located in the other rooms of the mausoleum. The effect of high groundwater levels led to the mosque being demolished and rebuilt in 1971. A quran showing medieval calligrahy is dislayed under glass here.
The mausoleum is today a place of pilgrimage.
According to legends Arystan Baba, a religious mystic, was the recipient of Mohammad's amanat beads or persimmon stone. When he was in Sayram he then passed these on to the eleven-year-old Khodja Akhmed Yassaui who became his pupil. Arystan Baba lived for over 400 years before his death.
