Shakhi Zinda Necropolis

Legend tells us that Kusam ibn Abbas arrived in Samarkand in 640 to spread the teachings of Islam and met a martyr’s fate at the hands of Zoroastrians while in prayer. His grave has since drawn countless visitors seeking spiritual solace, with many believing that the water source at the grave holds curative properties.

The architectural harmony of Shakhi Zinda’s mausoleums is a testament to the ingenuity of their creators. Each mausoleum is a square structure capped with a dome and marked by a portico entrance. The intricate decorations include the use of fired bricks, majolica tiles, and carved mosaics, showcasing the rich artistic heritage of the era.

The grand entrance to the Shakhi Zinda crypt marks the culmination of the ensemble. An inscription at the entrance declares its creation by Abdulazizhan, a descendant of the great Timur, in the year 838 (1434/35 AD). Ascending 36 steps leads to an open gallery flanked by crypts belonging to Tamerlane’s kin. This passage culminates in a circular courtyard topped with a vaulted arch, beneath which lies an ancient door. This door opens to the heart of Shakhi Zinda—the Mausoleum of Kusam ibn Abbas, the revered «Living King.»

The Shakhi Zinda Necropolis is a chronicle of faith, art, and history, immortalizing the spiritual journey of Samarkand through centuries. It stands as a bridge between the earthly and the divine, inviting all who visit to partake in its timeless story.