HERITAGE SITE | GŪR-E AMĪR MAUSOLEUM

• The beautiful portal and trademark fluted azure dome of the Gūr-e Amīr Mausoleum marks the final resting place of Timur (Tamerlane), along with two sons and two grandsons, including Ulugbek.

• The fearsome and controversial conqueror was the founder of the Timurid Empire of Central Asia, eventually ruling much of Europe and Asia. Throughout history, few names have inspired such terror as his. 

• He is remembered as a formidable conqueror, who razed ancient cities to the ground and put entire populations – many of them Muslim –  to the sword. On the other hand, he is also remembered as a great patron of the arts, literature, and architecture. One of his signature achievements was his capital, Samarkand.

• With its trademark turquoise cupola, glazed bricks and lavish marble designs, his mausoleum is now one of the most recognisable landmarks in Uzbekistan.