The Living King

800 years, the time to perfect a mausoleum maze.

Deep in the heartlands of the Silk Road is Uzbekistan's infamous trading city, Samarkand. Since the 8th century BC, this settlement has captivated the world with fearless leaders, spectacular architecture and charmed settlers through religious transitions. The city which had stints as the country’s capital has seen rule from an array of influential empires, right from the Mongols though to the Soviets and everyone in between. This trading post has since had its fair share of change and still manages to stand tall, expressing its distinct culture to this very day.

Nestled within the ancient part of the city is an astonishing maze of intricately decorated ritual buildings, a mosque, and the main mausoleum, its name is Shah-i-Zinda. This Taj Mahal contestant began construction in the 11th century and was perfected for over 800 years. The ensemble of captivating architecture was the masterpiece of the Prophet Muhammad’s cousin, Qutham ibn Abbas, he dedicated his life to sharing Islam through this expansive region (now known as Uzbekistan). The name Shah-i-Zinda translates to ‘the living king’ and the legend goes that Qutham ibn Abbas never actually died despite being beheaded, he still lives within the complex to this very day, with this in mind it’s not just the architecture that attracts visitors from across the nation. 

Shah-i-Zinda is a pristine example of what to expect when voyaging across these fascinating lands and is a stop that cannot be missed. As with many monuments in Central Asia you can expect nothing but to wander through the alleys and courtyards only to try and imagine the people and traditions that have gazed at the sights in previous centuries. These tile cladding structures that shine hues of mesmerising blues are dotted across this domain, and you're truly spoilt for choice on where to begin not only at Shah-i-Zinda, but across the Silk Road.