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MAIASP. 2021. No. 13 M.S. Gadjiev ( SARCOPHAGOUS TOMBSTONE WITH KUFIC INSCRIPTION OF THE
DERBENT MUSLIM NECROPOLIS OF THE 11th — 12th cc. DOI: 10.53737/2713-2021.2021.28.23.035 Access
this article (PDF File) Pages: 942—953 |
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In 2020 during secure and rescue archaeological observations in Derbent, the Muslim burial ground, representing once vast
separate section of medieval urban necropolis of Derbent
outside the architecturally allocated shahristan, was identified. This site has more than 80
sarcophagus-shaped tombstones, which are conventionally referred to by their
shape as “sarcophaguses” and dated to the last third of the 11th — 12th centuries. Among them there is a single sarcophagus,
on the southern longitudinal side of which there is an inset inscription — epitaph, written in Arabic in Kufi handwriting.
Its text reads: “This is the grave of Muhammad, the tinsmith. May Allah have
mercy on him!”. The monument is a rare example of sarcophagus-shaped
tombstones with inscription. According to the epitaph, the buried man was a
tinker and this information expands the range of craft specialties that
existed in Derbent in the 11th — 12th centuries, and indicates the specialization of
handicraft work in the processing of non-ferrous metals, taking into account
the existence of manufacturers of copper objects, coppersmiths in Derbent. At the same time, the text of the epitaph shows
not only the profession, but also the nickname of the buried man — Muhammad Lahim
“Muhammad Tinsmith”. It’s possible that this sarcophagus was installed over
the burial of one of the respected representative of the Sufi community in Derbent of the last third of the 11th — 12th centuries. |
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Key words: |
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Received
June 11, 2021 Accepted
for publication July 10, 2021 |
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About the authors: Gadjiev Murtazali
Serazhutdinovich ( E-mail: murgadj@rambler.ru Gasanov Magomedrashid Anvarbekovich ( E-mail: gasanoffrashid@mail.ru
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