Shahi-Zinda Northern Group, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Chronologically Shahi-Zinda was developed from the north to the south. In the 1340s in the northern upper part of Shahi-Zinda there was built Khodja-Ahmad Mausoleum. The inscription on the mausoleum says:'.. .may Allah prolong their eternity to make the tomb a garden of happiness for Khodja Ahmad'. In 1361 a mausoleum of a highborn married woman was built near Khodja-Ahmad Mausoleum. These first mausoleums are decorated with carved enameled terracotta of turquoise green and dark blue colors. At the beginning of the 15th century on the northern upper part of Shahi-Zinda there were constructed new mausoleum and mosque on behalf of Tuman-aka, Temur's younger wife.

Old Photo of Shahi Zindah

Modern day view of Shahi Zindah