Shakhi Zinda ensemble

Shakhi Zinda ensemble. It is among the first in the list of priceless UNESCO monuments. An architectural complex located near the Bibi Khanym mosque on the slope of the Afrosiab settlement. This complex with stately vaults and portals, decorated with oriental ornaments, consists of fourteen mausoleums, the blue domes of which shimmer unusually beautifully in the bright sun. It was named in honor of the brother of the Prophet Muhammad - Kusam ibn Abbas, who, according to legend, being in Samarkand in 676, preached Islam the residents of the city. Many followed Kusam and began to perform namaz. But the pagans who attacked Kusam cut off his head. However, Kusam, who managed to take a sip of water, gained immortality.

Looking at the tomb of Kusam, you will simply be stunned by its trellises with beautiful ornaments, a tombstone decorated with unique ceramic tiles.

This complex includes several buildings:

* small mosque (zierathona);

* tomb (gurkhona);

* the place where fasting is carried out (chilyahona);

* pantry (tughona).

Around the Kusam mausoleum, tombs were built, where Tuman-aka (the wife of Amir Timur), a prominent religious figure Khoja Akhmal, and an unknown girl are buried. A little higher is the mausoleum of Kazy-zade Rumi, who was Ulugbek's mentor. In the central part of the complex there is the tomb of Emir Burunduk. He was Timur's commander. Also nearby is the mausoleum of Usto Ali Nesefi, decorated with rich majolica ornaments.

The pearl of the complex is the most beautiful tomb of Tamerlane's niece - Shadi-Mulk-Aka, decorated with rich ceramics. Particularly impressive is the vine that winds over the arch of the tomb.

But the largest tomb is the tomb where Shirin-Beka-Aka, the sister of Tamerlane, is buried. The outside is adorned with intricately patterned mosaics. The sun penetrates into every corner of the room, emphasizing the beauty of the patterns that decorate the walls of the tomb.