Shaki Zinda

Shakhi Zinda, also known as Shah-i-Zinda, is a necropolis in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, and one of the most mysterious and unique architectural monuments in the city. The complex consists of rows of refined, sparkling blue tombs, harmoniously combined in a lively and moving composition. It is the burial place of royal persons and nobles, and the main mausoleum is believed to be the imaginary grave of Prophet Muhammad's cousin, Kusam ibn Abbas. The complex was formed over eight centuries and includes more than twenty buildings, with the earliest dating back to the 11th-12th centuries. The mausoleums are decorated with rich architectural ornamentation, including irrigation bricks, majolica tiles, and carved mosaic. Visitors can explore the narrow medieval streets and admire the stunning tilework, which is some of the richest in the Muslim world. The site is considered holy and is a place of pilgrimage for many people