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Shah-i-Zinda, Samarkand

4.9

#1 of 85 in Historic Sites in Uzbekistan

Monument Historic Site Must See

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At the northeastern part of the ancient city, the necropolis of Shah-i-Zinda honors the "living king" associated with the legend of the prophet Muhammad's cousin. The mausoleum complex has been constantly upgraded throughout history and now contains over 20 blue-domed buildings constructed between the 11th and 19th century. Examine the rich architectural decoration featuring majolica tiles, irrigation bricks, and intricately carved mosaics. Go on a guided tour to explore the crypts and shrines as you learn about the myths and secrets behind the necropolis and those buried here. Carry extra water and wear good walking shoes, since you'll need to climb many steps to reach the site. To visit Shah-i-Zinda and other attractions in Samarkand, use our Samarkand travel route planner.

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Shah-i-Zinda Reviews

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4.8

175 likes

• By Novilia Sjafri B

  Shah i Zinda, comes from Persian which means "The Living King". Consists of several buildings in the form of mausoleums and other buildings including the mosque. Built from the 9th to the 14th...  more »

• By mtmhys

  I highly recommend to visit this monument! I was so touched with the color of blue. I took photos all the time. It’s better to visit in the morning for the reason of backlight.  more »

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