Shah-i-Zinda

One of Central Asia's most spectacular mausoleums, also one of the most famous mausoleums in the world is Shah-i-Zinda. It is located in Uzbekistan's north-eastern region. The Shah-i-Zinda, which translates as "The Tomb of the Living," is linked to the narrative of Kusam ibn Abbas, Prophet Muhammad's cousin. According to legend, he is still alive. Three groups of structures are joined by four-arched domed corridors in the tomb. Although the earliest structures are from the 11th and 12th centuries, the majority of the structures come from the 14th and 15th centuries.

Uzbekistan's Shah-i-Zinda, which is actually a necropolis with a series of tombs housing both renowned and unknown persons, is adorned with colorful tiles in hundreds of shades of blue. The huge necropolis, which today has over 20 buildings, including the 16th-century Kusam-ibn-Abbas mausoleum and mosque, several mausoleums built in the 1300s, and Shirin-Bika-Aga mausoleum, is said to house the remains of Muhammad's cousin, making it a significant holy site. Because some visitors to Shah-i-Zinda are performing a pilgrimage, be polite and humble at all times throughout your visit.

Location: Samarkand, Uzbekistan