Gur-E Amir Mausoleum

The Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, one of the most important architectural ensembles of the medieval East, was constructed around the beginning of the 15th century in the southwest region of Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The conqueror Timur and maybe a member of his family were laid to rest at the Mausoleum. Stars and white dots adorn the stunning blue dome. Timur (Tamerlane), together with his two sons and two grandchildren, is interred at the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, which is distinguished by its stunning doorway and distinctive fluted azure dome (including Ulugbek). It's a rather little structure, in large part because Timur never anticipated being buried here. Remember to come back at night when the building is spotlit to great advantage since the tilework and dome are especially lovely.

The modest crypt that Timur had constructed for himself at Shakhrisabz was replaced with this one in 1404 for Mohammed Sultan, his projected heir who had passed away the year before. However, according to legend, Timur was buried here in Shakhrisabz after he unexpectedly passed away from pneumonia in Kazakhstan in the winter of 1405, while organizing an expedition against the Chinese.

Ulugbek's simple marble monument is to Timur's left, while Mir Said Baraka, one of Timur's spiritual advisers, is to Timur's right. Mohammed Sultan is located in front. The tombs of Shah Rukh, the father of Ulugbek, and Miran Shah are marked by the stones behind Timur. The most respected of Timur's tutors, Sheikh Seyid Umar, who is reputed to be a descendent of the Prophet Mohammed, is hidden underneath them. Timur gave the order to erect Gur-e-Amir around Umar's grave.

Location: Oksaroi, Samarkand