Samarkand: the historic centre
The entrance portal to Gur-e-Amir (“Tomb of the King”) mausoleum of Timur; construction began in 1403 after the sudden death of Muhammad Sultan, Tamerlane's heir apparent and grandson, for whom it was originally intended. Ulugh Beg, another grandson of Tamerlane, completed the work. During his reign the mausoleum became the family crypt of the Timurid Dynasty. It has been extensively restored.
Photo by Ludo Kuipers, Mon Jun 17, 2013