Shakhrisabz

Shakhrisabz is the birthplace of Amir Temur. The city is located 160 km from Samarkand,
in a small valley surrounded by the foothills of the Pamirs. At the time of Tamerlane,
it was a small town, but by order of Amir, his descendants continued to develop the city
for many years after his death.

Among the architectural monuments from the time of Amir Temur are the remains of the massive
gates of the Ak-Sarai Palace, which was built over 20 years and destroyed in the 17th century
by Abdullahan from Bukhara.

The Dor-us-Saodat complex includes the mausoleum of Amir Temur’s son Jahangir. It is an
outstanding example of Khorezm architecture, built by slaves from Khorezm in the second half
of the 14th century. There is also a mausoleum built by Amir Temur for himself a few years
before his death, although he was eventually buried in Samarkand in the Gur Emir mausoleum.

The preserved crypt contains a single marble grave with its lid open, waiting for Amir Temur.
The walls of the crypt are simply decorated with tear-shaped patterns and an Arabic inscription
about wisdom, strength, and acting for one’s own benefit rather than depending on others.

In later times, the memorial complex was expanded. During the time of Ulugbek, grandson of
Tamerlane, the Dor-ut-Tilovat memorial complex was added for relatives who lived in Shakhrisabz.
Across a small square from the mausoleums stands the Kok-Gumbaz Mosque, which in the 19th
century was converted into a cathedral mosque.

Aksaray

Aksaray is an outstanding monument of the era of Temur and the Temurids. It was built by order
of Amir Temur after his campaign on Khorezm, with construction believed to have started in 1379.
Today, two separate entrance portals remain, each over 40 meters high. The arch of the portal
collapsed about 200 years ago, and the span measures 22.5 meters.

The northern façade is decorated with mosaic ornaments, and the geometric compositions imitate
oriental carpets. According to historical descriptions, Aksaray was a long rectangular building
with a courtyard approximately 120–125 by 240–250 meters. The Spanish ambassador Clavijo wrote
that it consisted of an administrative section, a reception area, and a garden-courtyard part
with two-story residential rooms.

Different parts of the Aksaray portal contain poetic and prose inscriptions in suls, naskh,
and kufi scripts. These texts express ideas about royal power, the ruler’s benevolence toward
subjects, and the temporary nature of power.

Mausoleum of Gumbaz-i Sayyidan

The mausoleum of Gumbaz-i Sayyidan was built in 1437 by order of Mirzo Ulugbek, grandson of Temur.
Together with other structures, it forms part of the Dar ut-Tilavat memorial and architectural
complex. It adjoins the mausoleum of Shams ad-Din Kulal on the south side and resembles monuments
from the era of Mirzo Ulugbek found in the Shahi-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand.

The mausoleum was built for members of the Termez branch of the Sayyids, descendants of the Prophet.
Its interior is decorated with floral ornaments, and the room contains large tombstones with inscriptions.

Dar Us-Sadat Complex

This complex appeared after the death of Amir Temur’s eldest son Jahangir in 1376. His mausoleum,
with its domed ceiling in the form of a cone, is located east of the Dar ut-Tilavat complex.
In the past, both complexes formed a single ensemble and were part of the main necropolis of Shakhrisabz.

A tombstone of Jahangir is located in the mausoleum. According to other versions, the mausoleum
was erected in honor of the holy Hazrat-i Imam. Temur’s crypt is also located within the complex.
It is assumed that the grave of Umar Shaikh may also be there. The discovery of the tombstone of
Temur’s grandson Sa’id Ahmad nearby indicates that the necropolis served as a burial place for
the Temurids and the aristocracy of the Barlas family.

Kok Gumbaz Mosque

Kok Gumbaz, the cathedral mosque, is the main monument of the Dar ut-Tilavat complex. It was built
by decree of Mirzo Ulugbek in 1435. The building is square in plan and covered with a dome resting
on pendentives. On all four sides are deep niches.

Mosaic epigraphic inscriptions decorate the drum of the outer dome, the main façade, and the interior.
Various styles of Arabic calligraphy, combined with traditional ornaments, give the building its
splendor. The portal includes Quranic fragments, while kufic inscriptions on the drum and within
the mosque emphasize sacred phrases, including the statement: “Power belongs to God.”