Abstract
Ensuring the process of sustainable development includes special attention to cultural heritage. Effective social strategies are being built on the basis of the use of cultural heritage. Historical buildings are, in fact, the physical preservation of the memory of the development of society in all its diversity. Of particular interest are the “historical scars”, which record phenomena such as a change in the design concept during construction; destruction, restoration, and addition of individual elements; a change and return of the original function; a change in the interpretation of the appearance; reconstruction and renovation. A peculiar illustration of this process is the history of the tomb complex of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi in Turkestan. During the development of the complex, the original idea was adjusted. The complex became more complicated, completed, and rebuilt. A special place is occupied by the innovative approach applied during the reconstruction at the end of the 14th century. The grandiose plan of Emir Timur has not been fully realized. The construction resumed at the end of the 16th century but did not lead to the completion of the complex. The unfinished building, which has a huge historical and cultural potential, can now be completed. This will illustrate the continuity of the cultural process as part of sustainable development.