Shah-i-zinda

The Shah-i-Zinda Ensemble is a collection of mausoleums and sacred buildings dating from the 11th to the 15th and 19th centuries. It is comprised of various buildings, with the Kusam-ibn-Abbas complex serving as the initial main body, located in the northeast corner. The blue colored mosaic art on the walls creat a kalidoscopic charm. These mosaics also create sceneries that show influences from Central Asian culture, Quranic scriptures, and Persian lore and literature.

Other Notable structures here include the Turkan Ago Mausoleum, built in 1372 for Timur's niece, and the Shirin Bika Aga Mausoleum, dedicated to Timur's sister. The name "Shah-i-Zinda" translates to "Tomb of the Living King," referencing the innermost shrine believed to be the burial place of Prophet Muhammad’s cousin, Qusam ibn-Abbas, who introduced Islam to the region in the 7th century. Over eight centuries, the Shah-i-Zinda complex expanded to include over twenty structures, organized into lower, middle, and upper groups connected by four-arched domed passages known as chartak. The structures at the ensemble were built over different centuries, resulting into a blend of different architectural styles, methods and decorative craftsmanship.