Gur Emir Mausoleum

Gur Emir Mausoleum (“King’s Tomb”), one of the most distinguished buildings of middle ages, is located in the southeast of Samarkand. This mausoleum was built by the order of Amir Timur in 1403 on the territory of ensemble, earlier built by his grandson prince Mukhammad Sultan in the end of XIV century. Only foundation and khonaka (tekya – asylum for Sufi and pilgrims) remained from prince’s constructions. Mukhammad Sultan was one of successors for Timur’s throne. But, the prince unexpectedly died in 1403. Timur ordered to bury him on the territory of the complex and built a mausoleum.

Later, here were buried Amir Timur by himself, his sons Sharkhruh and Miranshakh, grandson Mirzo Ulugbek, Timur’s preceptor – Mir Seyid Bereke, Abu Said sultan’s sons and a certain Shah Khodja. Thus, this mausoleum became a burial vault of the Temurides.

A huge relief blue dome of Gur Emir is fascinating. Its diameter is 15 meters and high is 12, 5 meters. The dome’s shape is compared to a tulip. The internal luxurious décor is also attractive. Walls decorated with fine ornaments and are separated with lines in to panel, wall, arch and internal dome. The panel is decorated with green onyx and walls with geometrical patterns. Relief from papier-mache covered with gold and flowering ornaments were used for decoration.

Mirzo Ulugbek ordered to set up a cenotaph made from dark green axstone for Amir Timur in 1425. Ulugbek brought this stone from Mogolistan during his triumphal war campaign. He also ordered to fence tombs with marble bars, built door entrance to mausoleum and gallery.

Gur Emir Mausoleum is a truly piece of Oriental architecture.