Other Attractions
Gur-Emir Mausoleum — Timur's Final Resting Place
The Gur-Emir ("Tomb of the Ruler") is the mausoleum of Timur (Tamerlane), the conqueror who created an empire from Turkey to India. The ribbed turquoise dome (12.5 m in diameter) is one of the most perfect structures of Islamic architecture. The interior is breathtaking: onyx, gold, lapis lazuli, and jasper cover the walls and ceiling. Timur's tombstone of dark green jade is the largest jade block in the world. Admission: approx. 25,000 UZS (~2€).
Shah-i-Zinda — Avenue of the Living Kings
The Shah-i-Zinda is a necropolis (city of the dead) — a steep alley with over 20 mausoleums from the 9th to the 19th century, flanked by some of the most beautiful tilework in the Islamic world. Each mausoleum is individually designed: deep blue, turquoise, golden, and green mosaics in a variety that surpasses even the Registan. At the end of the alley: allegedly the tomb of Kusam ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad. Shah-i-Zinda means "the living king" — according to legend, he continues to live in his tomb. Admission: approx. 30,000 UZS (~2€).
Bibi-Khanum Mosque
When completed in 1404, the Bibi-Khanum Mosque was one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world — Timur's attempt to impress God with monumentality. The dimensions are overwhelming: The entrance portal is 35 m high, and the courtyard could accommodate 10,000 worshippers. The mosque was built so ambitiously that it began to crumble almost immediately — Timur had architects executed. Today, it is impressively restored. In the courtyard stands a huge marble Quran stand. Admission: approx. 25,000 UZS (~2€).
Ulugh Beg's Observatory
Ulugh Beg (1394–1449), Timur's grandson, was one of the greatest astronomers of the Middle Ages. His observatory (1428–1429) on the outskirts of the city had a huge sextant (radius: 40 m!), with which he calculated the positions of over 1,000 stars — with an accuracy not surpassed until the 17th century. Today, the underground remains of the sextant and a small museum can be seen. Admission: approx. 25,000 UZS (~2€).
Siab Bazaar
Right next to the Bibi-Khanum Mosque lies Samarkand's largest bazaar. Less monumental than the Chorsu in Tashkent, but more authentic and less touristy. Famous for: Samarkand's legendary flatbread (Non-i Samarkand), considered the best in Uzbekistan — round, thick, sprinkled with sesame and cumin, long-lasting. Also: mountains of dried fruits, nuts, and spices.
