Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Timur
The gate towers of Aq Saray, Timur's Summer Palace, the “White Palace” that was planned as the most grandiose of all Timur's constructions, in Shakhrisabz (formerly known as Kesh or Kish, meaning “heart-pleasing”), 85 kilometres south of Samarkand. It was started in 1380 by artisans deported by Timur from the recently conquered Khwarezm. Only parts of its gigantic 65 metre gate-towers survive, with blue, white and gold mosaics.
Photo by Ludo Kuipers, Wed Jun 19, 2013