The mausoleum was built in honor of Khoja Ahmad Yasavi, a famous Sufi ascetic and Turkic poet who had an enormous influence on the development of Sufi orders throughout the Turkic-speaking world. After his death, the Yesevi Sufi order he founded continued to be influential for several centuries in Central Asia.

Two centuries after his death, already in the 14th century, Tamerlane, Emir of the Timurid Empire, ordered the construction of the mausoleum in his honor, replacing the small mausoleum that existed to date of Khoja Ahmad Yasavi. Its creation marked the beginning of the Timurid architectural style, although its construction was stopped after the death of Tamerlane, so the work remained unfinished.

Although unfinished, the mausoleum is impressive both for its size and architectural beauty. The central dome, rising to a height of 38 meters, is an architectural masterpiece. The mausoleum is considered one of the finest examples of Timurid architecture in Central Asia, characterized by its use of high domes, elaborate arches and detailed decoration.

The walls are decorated with brightly colored tiles and mosaics, forming geometric patterns with kufic and sulh epigraphic ornaments derived from the Koran. Initial plans also called for the addition of two impressive minarets.

The entrance to the mausoleum is from the southeast, into a main hall known as Kazandyk, in the center of which is a bronze cauldron, used for religious purposes. This main section is covered by the largest existing brick dome in Central Asia.

In addition to this space, there are about 30 smaller ones, used as meeting rooms, refectory, library and a mosque with beautiful light blue geometric and floral decorations on its walls.

The central element of the mausoleum, the tomb of Yasawi, is located at the opposite end of the entrance; the northwest. The area where the sarcophagus is located has a double-domed ribbed ceiling, covered with green hexagonal tiles with golden motifs and alabaster stalactites, known as muqarnas.

In addition to its architectural beauty, the Khoja Ahmad Yasavi Mausoleum is also a place of great historical and cultural significance. The building is a testimony to the rich history of the region, which is why it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.

Moreover, the Khoja Ahmad Yasavi Mausoleum is an important pilgrimage site in the region, making Turkestan considered "the second Mecca" for Central Asian Muslims.

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