Amir Temur Mausoleum Gur-i Amir Сomplex

Gur-e-Amir Tomb (Mausoleum of Amir Temur). The funerary dome of Amir Temur is one of the finest examples of medieval Eastern architecture from the Timurid period. Its construction was initiated by Amir Temur in 1404 and was originally intended for his grandson and heir, Muhammad Sultan, who had died in Iran the previous year. Temur had prepared a crypt for himself in Shakhrisabz, but he died unexpectedly of pneumonia in Kazakhstan during the winter of 1405. Since the mountain passes to Shakhrisabz were blocked by snow, he was buried here, next to his grandson, in what would become known as Gur-e-Amir (The Tomb of the Leader). Later, the tomb became the resting place of other notable figures, including his spiritual advisor Sayyid Baraka, his grandson Ulugh Beg, and his sons Shah Rukh and Miran Shah. With these additions, and the burial of several other relatives, the tomb was transformed into the dynastic mausoleum of the Timurids. The mausoleum stands as a remarkable example of medieval architectural craftsmanship. The Taj Mahal and Humayun’s Mausoleum in Delhi were inspired by this very mausoleum, whose intricately crafted dome —and indeed the entire monument, shaped like a turban— is exquisitely adorned with blue, turquoise, and emerald tiles that captivate the eye.

Resting place of Amir Timur. This has intricate ornate decorative artworks. Absolutely magnificent and astounding, how much work went in to beautify the place. Recommend to come here early, around 8 am to enjoy the grounds in peace before hordes of touristS flocks the place. When we visited the place in 2025 summer, the card machine was not working so we had to use cash to buy tickets. Something to keep in mind while you are in Uzbekistan.

One of the must see in Samarkand. The dome of Gour Emir is the most impressive of the city. The building holds the remains of Timur. The mosque nearby worth the visit

I visited Gur-I-Amir on March 2023. The architectural view of this mausoleum is immeasurable. One of the most significant architectural ensembles of medieval East – the Gur Emir was built in the southwestern part of Samarkand at the beginning of the XV century. This majestic complex, often featured in Uzbekistan tours, consisted of a khanaka, the madrasah of Muhammad Sultan (grandson of Amir Timur), and, later, the tombs of Amir Timur himself and his descendants. The madrasah, a small building with a typical yard composition was meant to teach the children Samarkand nobility. Opposite to the madrasah there located a khanaka with a central hall and cells - hudjras. The both buildings were erected by Mukhammad Sultan’s order to be become a center of Islamic education. But Muhammad sudden death in 1403 led to a change in an intended use of the complex. After the death of Muhammad Sultan, Amir Timur was inconsolable: he ordered to put temporarily the remains of his beloved grandson in a madrasah’s corner room – darskhana, and immediately started the construction of the mausoleum which closed the ensemble from the south.

The Amir Temur Mausoleum, also known as the Gur-e-Amir Complex, is one of the most iconic and precious landmarks in Samarkand. The entry ticket costs 100,000 UZS, and it’s absolutely worth it for what you’ll experience inside. The architecture is breathtaking — the majestic dome features a marvelous design that showcases the beauty of Timurid craftsmanship. Inside, the interior is equally stunning, with rich blue, gold, and white marble decor that gives the place a regal and spiritual feel. The building houses the tombs of Amir Temur, Ulugh Beg, and other family members. There’s also a small museum inside the complex, which gives insights into the vast empire of Amir Temur through maps, artifacts, and historical context. This site is a must-visit for anyone coming to Samarkand. Whether you're passionate about history, architecture, or simply want to admire a masterpiece, the Gur-e-Amir Complex will leave a lasting impression.

The Amir Temur Mausoleum is a true gem of Islamic architecture. I was in awe of the intricate designs and the sheer beauty of it all. The rich turquoise and deep blue tiles are absolutely stunning—such a striking contrast against the glowing golden interior. Timur’s tomb lies here and it's not just a mausoleum; it’s a masterpiece of art, history, and legacy. A selection of handmade souvenirs are available here, from ceramics to crafted wooden pieces, everything was beautifully crafted and reasonably priced.

Majestic and mysterious. The Gur-e Emir (Persian for "Tomb of the King") is one of the most striking, yet mysterious monuments of Samarkand. Although Tamerlane had already built a family crypt in Shahrisabz, he had this majestic mausoleum built for his grandson Mohammed Sultan, his favorite grandson and designated successor, who died in 1403. When Tamerlane himself died in the winter of 1405 while preparing to invade China, he was interred in his grandson's mausoleum because the passes to Shahrisabz were snowed in. After passing through the monumental gate, one enters a courtyard where a madrasa and a chanaka used to stand on the sides, and where the mausoleum with its characteristic, ribbed turquoise dome stands on the opposite side. The actual mausoleum consists of two levels: the underground crypt with the actual graves and the upper room with the cenotaphs. Central to the arrangement of the cenotaphs is the dark green jade cenotaph of Tamerlane himself, surrounded by the cenotaphs of some of his sons and grandsons, and at his feet lies his mentor Sheikh Mir Said Barake. According to the "Curse of Tamerlane", desecration of his grave would bring disaster. For example, the daughter of the Persian ruler Nadir Shah is said to have fallen ill after he had stolen Tamerlane's cenotaph. Another story is more recent: the day after the Soviet anthropologist Gerasimov opened the grave, the Germans invaded the Soviet Union. However, Gerasimov's research has proven that he is buried here, so a visit to the Gur-e Emir is not in vain!

Beautiful architecture and it portrays architecture during medieval East. Quiet area and usually tourist will go to this place. The area around this place included madrasah and tombs of Amir Timur, a Turkic conqueror, and his descendants. The courtyard entrance has four minarets and it was decorated beautifully. This complex was completed by one if his grandson as Amir Timur died before the complex was ready.