 Gur-e Amir (Gur Emir) Mausoleum, Samarkand |
Gur-e Amir (Gur Emir) Mausoleum, Samarkand
Another famous point of interest on the tour of Central Asia and of Uzbekistan is the Gur-e Amir Mausoleum. The name means "Tomb of the King", and this is the mausoleum of the Asian conqueror Tamerlane and his descendents. Work began on Gur-e Amir early in the fourteenth century. It is architecturally significant as the model for other world- famous buildings which were erected later, such as the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal was built by the descendants of Tamerlane, who were the ruling dynasty of northern India. Gur-e Amir is also famous for its efficient simplicity of design and construction. Its beauty is absolutely astounding. The colors are traditional bright blue, azure, and white. The heavy ribbing on the dome adds definition and elegance. This building is one of the most unforgettable sights in all of Central Asia, and in fact, in the entire world.
Central Asia tours include many local legends and stories. The legend for Gur-e Amir begins in 1740, when a Persian warlord stole the huge jade stone covering the remains of Tamerlane. The stone broke in two, and the warlord began having a run of very bad luck. His advisors told him he must immediately return the stone to its rightful place in Samarkand.
 Tours inside Gur-e Amir Mausoleum |
The site was disturbed again in 1941 when the crypt was opened by Soviet archeologists exploring in Uzbekistan. The remains were taken to Leningrad, where from his skull it was possible to reconstruct Tamerlane's face. It was also established that he was over six feet tall, a giant for his time. Scientists in Leningrad also determined that Tamerlane would have walked with a pronounced limp (in keeping with his nickname "Timur the lame"). However, it seems the curse was invoked by the Soviet archeologists, since soon after finding the crypt in Samarkand, Russia was invaded by the Nazis. The inscription on the tomb reads: "Anyone who violates my stillness in this life or the next will be subjected to inevitable punishment and misery".
Pictures of Gur-e Amir (Gur Emir) Mausoleum
 Entrance to Gur-e Amir Mausoleum |
 Decorations of Gur-e Amir Mausoleum |
 Gur-e Amir Mausoleum |
List of other historical monuments in Samarkand
Reqistan Square
Bibi Khanym Mosque
Shakhi-Zinda Mausoleums
Ulugbek's observatory
Afrasiab museum
